LY-SEPTEMBER 1982
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MIAMI
HAITI SAYS
"THANK YOU"
Hospital Adventiste D'Haiti was dedicated April 26, 1981, to the service of the
people of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding area. Your Thirteenth Sabbath
Special Projects offering December, 1977, contributed $135,000 to this pro-
ject. The significant contributions and vision of many dedicated Adventist
physicians initiated the dream of this hospital for Haiti, while two lay organiza-
tions and dozens of volunteers worked to stretch your gift and the appropia-
tions from the Inter-American Division into the full-service hospital unit now
ministering effectively to the glory of God.
This Thirteenth Sabbath you may again join the members around the world in
giving for the cause in Inter-America. Your Special Projects offering dollars
(25% of the Thirteenth Sabbath offering) will help build churches in the North
Dominican Mission and in the South and Southeast Conferences of the Mexi-
can Union. They will also aid the construction of a new women's dormitory at
crowded Antillian College in Puerto Rico.
The Lord has richly blessed the efforts of enthusiastic laymen in Inter-America.
Church growth is better described as mushrooming or exploding. Let us do
our part to support their efforts in September 25.
1.
A Biblical View of the World
2.
The Church in the World?
3.
"So Send I You"
4.
Christ Our Example
5.
The Gospel and Culture
6.
Social Issues Confronting the Church
7.
A Christian View of Work
8.
God Loves the Cities
9.
A Christian View of Marriage
10.
The Church and Human Needs
11.
The Christian and the State
12.
A Light to the World
13.
A New Heaven and a New Earth
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Adult Sabbath
School Lesson (LISPS 702-480)/No. 349 /July-September, 1982
4
INTRODUCTION
The Christian in the
Ever since Christ called His church into existence, Christians have been
struggling with the problem of how to be
in
the world without being
of
the
world. Though it is an old theme, every generation of believers must find the
answers to that question for itself. And each unit of believers must seek its own
forms of relating to the world in the particular setting in which it is called to
witness for Christ.
The reason for this is clear. Our world is constantly changing. New chal-
lenges are thereby arising to the life of the church, its mission, and to the believ-
ers' growth in grace and in Christian maturity. Solutions from the past do not
always fit the way in which we live today. Moreover, our world is made of
vastly different cultures and societies, of religions and ideologies, of political
and social orders, of values and patterns of thinking. That means that the
relationship between the Christian and the world cannot, and
should
not, take
exactly the same forms everywhere. For instance, what appears to be an ac-
ceptable form of Christian behavior in one culture—say dress, music, or social
patterns between male and female—may not be appropriate in another. The
same applies to the relationship of the Christian to government, the economic
order, or social institutions. Though the varying and ever changing circum-
stances in the world may demand different
forms
of relating to the world, all
these forms must be firmly based on sound biblical principles. To discover
the biblical principles that deal with the relationship between the Christian and
the world is the primary purpose of this series of lessons.
Our Adventist pioneers lived in the expectation of the immediate coming of
our Lord and Saviour. Their whole life and mission had such an urgency that
they considered everything and every activity in the world which did not con-
tribute directly to the advance of their cause as waste, if not actually sinful.
After nearly 140 years the believers have, in some places, lost much of that
urgency. This is greatly affecting the attitude of the Christian toward the
world and the things that are of this world. We realize, as Ellen White stated,
that as long as they are in the world, God's people have to do with the things of
the world. (See
Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 459.) However, believers who take their
calling seriously must know that their first citizenship is in the kingdom of God.
Its goals and principles, therefore, should be our first concern. At the same time
we must become more aware of the fact that these goals and principles are to be
realized in
this
world. To that end Christ sent us into the world so that all
people may have opportunity to be saved and come to the knowledge of the
truth. (See 1 Tim. 2:4.) The Christian must therefore constantly ask him-
self: In what ways can I best represent Christ in the world, at work, in my daily
activities, among neighbors and friends? And by what attitudes, life-style, and
behavior can I best make the kingdom of God a present reality as well as a hope
for the future?
5
C
il
June 27 to July 3
Adult Lesson
GQ
DICArod Wriew
.
Rhe Mout:1
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that who-
soever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For
God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through him might be saved" (John 3:16, 17).
In most languages the term "world" has a variety of meanings.
That is also true for the languages in which the Bible was written—
Hebrew and Greek. There is no one word in Hebrew that corresponds
to our term "world." But there are a large number of equivalents, such
as "heaven and earth," the "all," "age" (era), and the "habitable
earth." In Greek the words most frequently used for "world"
(kosmos
and
aion)
have at least six major meanings and many different shades of
meaning. Which meaning intended in the text can be determined only
by the context in which the word occurs. For instance, the apostle
John urges us not to love the world, for, if anyone loves the world, love
for the Father is not in him. (See 1 John 2:15-17). Yet, is not the very
heart of the gospel the assurance that God loves this world? (See John
3:16, 17.) In 1 Corinthians 1:20-31 and 3:19 the apostle Paul mentions
that the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God. Yet,
Jesus Himself, in Luke 16:8, commends the sons of this world for being
wiser in their generation than the sons of light. Scripture indicates that
this world stands condemned in the eyes of God, and—because of
Christ's work—has already been judged. (See John 5:24-30; 12:31.) At
the same time we hear God say that in Christ He has reconciled the
world unto Himself and that Christ had not come to judge the world.
(See 2 Cor. 5:19; John 3:17; 12:47.) All these statements would appear
contradictory if we did not realize that in each instance the term
"world" has a different meaning.
This insight is also important with regard to our attitude toward the
world. Often our attitude has been shaped by one or two texts or by one
or two different meanings only. We must learn, however, to listen to the
whole biblical message concerning the world, in which each meaning is
complemented and rounded out by the others.
A Biblical View of the World
1
Sunday
June 27
Part 1
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by
WE BY GOD the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of
things which do appear" (Heb. 11:3).
Science has given us tremendous insights regarding the phys-
ical world, its processes and workings, its laws and its nature.
For an understanding of the origin of our world, its purpose and
goal, however, we must turn to divine revelation. The world
itself does not show us its origin, its purpose, its future.
What does Scripture tell us about the origin and purpose of our
world? Gen. 1:1; 2:4; Job 38:1-4; Ps. 19:1-4; Isa. 45:18; Col.
1:16.
A number of important insights emerge from these and other
passages of Scripture:
1.
Our world came into existence by the word of God (Ps.
33:6).
2.
It was made for God's own glory (Ps. 8:1; 148:13).
3.
Our world has beauty and orderliness; it bears the stamp of
its Maker, and speaks of His eternal power and deity (Rom. 1:20).
4.
Our world belongs to God (Ps. 24:1).
5.
It continues only by the gracious will of God, who cares for
it and who sustains its processes and workings (Acts 14:15-17).
For whom did God create the world? Gen. 1:26;
Ps. 8:5, 6.
The more we penetrate outer space, the more we realize how
unique our world is: the air we breathe, the climate surrounding
us, the land and the water, the vegetation and the animal world.
The Bible indicates that this whole world was prepared as a
habitat for human beings. Each time that God completed a part of
it, He "saw that it was good." This means that it was well
suited for the particular purpose for which God had prepared it.
"On every leaf of the forest or stone of the mountains, in every
shining star, in earth and air and sky, God's name was writ-
ten."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 51. From the way the Cre-
ation account is given, it may be concluded further that each step
was meant as a preparation for the next. Last in the creation of
the world came man, made in the image of God, for whom it all
was called into existence.
Where in the created universe do you
see
reflected the glory of
God and His eternal power and deity?
Further Study:
Psalm 104 and 148;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 44-47.
7
A Biblical View of the World
1
Monday
June 28
Part 2
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and
OWED
they that dwell therein" (Ps. 24:1).
BY GOD
In a beautiful example of Hebrew poetry whereby the second
half of a verse parallels, balances, and enlarges the thought of the
first half, this song of David stresses that everything on earth be-
longs to God—its resources and energies, its food supplies and its
wealth, our homes and our factories, even we ourselves who live
and work in it. "All that we Kaye is from God. He lays His hand
upon our possessions, saying: 'I am the rightful owner of the
whole universe; these are My goods.'
"—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p.
245.
The basis for God's ownership of the world and its contents
is that He has made it all. He also gives us life and breath and
everything. (See Acts 17:25.) "In him we live, and move, and
have our being" (Acts 17:28).
In Psalm 24:1 we see that the environment and man both belong
to God. This suggests the close tie between human beings and
what surrounds them. What does that say to us concerning our
relationship to the natural world?
What commission has God given to humanity in regard to the
world? Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15, 18-20; Rev. 14:6, 7.
At least four points stand out clearly: (1) Human beings were
made to glorify God (Isa. 43:7; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20). (2) They were
made for each other: to love and to strengthen each other, to chal-
lenge and to complement each other. (See Luke 10:27; 1 John 4:7-
12.) (3) They were commissioned to be fruitful and to fill the
earth. (Today, the world population numbers almost 5000 mil-
lion people!) (4) God put them in charge of His world, as His stew-
ards, to explore its riches and resources and to develop the world
and to preserve it, under God.
What difference do you
see
between man's way of glorifying God
and the way the rest of creation glorifies Him?
(See
John 15:8;
Matt. 5:16; Rom. 15:5, 6.)
In all of God's earthly creation only we humans have the ability
to acknowledge God as the Creator. The rest of the world does
so unawares, not by its own choice or volition. Only we can con-
sciously respond to our Creator and in freedom fulfill the task for
which we were placed here.
What does our stewardship of God's world entail?
Further
Study: Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pp. 50, 51.
A Biblical View of the World
1
Tuesday
June 29
Part 3
"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh
THE WORLD
into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by
AS PEOPLE
him, and the world knew him not" (John 1:9, 10).
The very core of the biblical meaning of the term "world"
includes
people—human
beings, as individuals or groups, such as
families, language groups, races, societies, nations (Mark 16:15;
Luke 2:1; John 6:33; Rom. 1:8). The world also means the
things with which people are involved—human work, cultures,
and organizations (Matt. 16:26). It can also mean the theater of
human history. All this is what the psalmist calls the world and its
fullness. (See Ps. 50:12; 89:11; etc.)
What is God's attitude toward this world of nations, kindreds,
tongues, and people? John 3:16, 17; 1 John 4:9; Luke 11:9-13; Eph.
4:6.
God loves this world! That message ought to be proclaimed
from every rooftop in every corner of earth to every person. God
is our Father, the One who really cares about His creatures,
whatever their situation in life or their cultural, political, or ethnic
background. And God loves this world and cares for it simply be-
cause He
is
love (1 John 4:8). Because God is love, He created
this world. He commissioned us to explore the earth and to de-
velop it, to build it and to shape it, because He is love. And even
though we humans have largely failed to recognize God as our
Father, and have ignored, even rejected, His love, God has re-
mained the same in His attitude toward the world which He has
created. He is unchanging (James 1:17). He "keeps faith for
ever" (Ps. 146:6, RSV). Even "if we are faithless, he remains
faithful—for he cannot deny himself' (2 Tim. 2:13, RSV).
In what ways is God's faithfulness toward His creation experi-
enced in the world? Matt. 5:45.
The world, as God's creation, retains some goodness, happi-
ness, beauty, and joy. There is friendship and love, wisdom,
ingenuity, and strength. Man still is crowned with some honor
and glory; his work still reflects his divine commission (Gen. 1:26-
28; 2:15). In spite of all the effects of sin on human life, thought,
and activity, this world of man still reflects something of the
goodness, glory, and power of its Maker.
In light of God's own attitude toward the world, how should we
relate to the people of this world and their activities?
Further
Study: Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pp. 48-51.
9
A Biblical View of the World
1
Wednesday
June 30
Part 4
"We
know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wick-
THE WORLD
edness" (1 John 5:19).
IS EVIL
Because of Adam's sin the whole world came under the spell of
evil. People, created for the glory of God, turned away from Him
(Rom. 3:9-19). The result is that relations between people be-
came broken, their activities became self-seeking, and their men-
tal and physical strengths declined. In fact, sin has so much pene-
trated every nook and cranny of our life that our whole earthly
existence, from our conception onward (Ps. 51:5), is evil. Even
nature itself, the physical world, is suffering from this bondage to
evil (Rom. 8:18-23). In the Bible the term "world" therefore has
the connotations of lawlessness, greed, vainglory, hatred, selfish-
ness, oppression, foolishness, revolt, and sin.
How has sin affected the relationship between God and the
world? James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17.
God and the world have become opposites! There is a wide
gulf between them, characterized by hatred, enmity, and hostility
of the world toward God. People must choose whether they want
to become citizens of the kingdom of God—which is not of this
world—or to remain subject to Satan, the prince of this world
(John 14:30); for these two kingdoms have nothing in common.
They are opposites. The one represents life, purity, love, and
goodness; the other—the world—stands for death, corruption,
hatred, and evil.
What therefore should be the Christian's attitude toward the
world? 1 Cor. 2:12; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 5:4, 5; Rev. 18:4.
The only safeguard for a Christian lies in his separation from
the world. "Do not be conformed to this world," the apostle Paul
urges us, "but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that
you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and accept-
able and perfect" (Rom. 12:2, RSV). (See also John 18:36 and
Matt. 13:22.)
How would you define the terms "worldly" and "worldliness"?
(See Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 2:16.)
"The rebuke of the Lord is upon His people for their pride
and unbelief. He will not restore unto them the joys of His salva-
tion while they are departing from the instructions of His word
and His
Spirit."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 190.
Further Study:
Testimonies, vol.
5, pp. 188-191.
10
A Biblical View of the World
1
Thursday
July 1
Part 5
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not im-
ECONCILED puting their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the
TO GOD
word of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:19).
The message of Scripture is that God has, in Christ, recon-
ciled the world unto Himself. Jesus, the Lamb of God, has taken
away the sin of the world (John 1:29). God has not ignored the
world in its state of wickedness or left it completely under the
power of the evil one. He has sent His Son into the world to save
it (John 3:17).
What is the meaning of the term "reconciliation"? Rom. 5:1, 8-
11; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19; Eph. 2:12-18.
There are clearly two aspects to the work of reconciliation.
The first refers to the new relationship of peace brought about
between God and man. The previous relationship of enmity and
hostility has been changed to friendliness and close communion.
Before, we were strangers to God; now we have become God's
children and members of His household (Eph. 1:4, 5). The wide
gulf between God and the world has been removed! Man can have
free access to the Father.
The second aspect points to the key to this new relation-
ship—forgiveness
and
taking away of our sins. This is an act of
cleansing. Jesus has taken away the sin of the world. He has
borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; with His stripes we
were healed (Isa. 53:4-9). The power of evil in the world has
been broken. The prince of this world has been judged (John
16:11). A whole new relationship has been brought about between
God and the world. This was accomplished at the cross.
Besides reconciliation, what was the effect of the death of Christ
upon the world? John 3:18-21; Rom. 13:11-14.
With the death and resurrection of Christ the world has entered
upon its last stage of history. A new era has begun—the era in
which a separation is being made between those who accept Jesus
Christ as Lord and Saviour and those who are rejecting Him. In
the first group is being fulfilled God's promise of a new creation, a
new world, which will be fully realized at the end of time when the
restoration of all things will take place. The second group—the
world of evil—is being condemned for its pride, greed, selfish-
ness, and sin, and prepared for its total destruction. With God's
act of reconciliation came also the judgment of the world (John
9:39; 12:31).
To which group in the world do I belong?
Further Study:
The Desire ofAges,
pp. 649-651.
11
A Biblical View of the World
1 Friday
July 2
Part 6
"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but
III THE
that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:15).
WORLD
BUT . . .
Six different aspects of the biblical term "world" stand out
clearly: (1) God's good creation, in its physical as well as its so-
cial, cultural, and historical aspects; (2) people and their activi-
ties, ideas, thoughts, and work; (3) fallen humanity as the object
of God's love; (4) people who have rejected Christ, or who hate
Him and His disciples; (5) those who have accepted Christ, God's
new creation, which is the beginning of a new world; (6) the mil-
lions of people who have never even heard of Christ.
In the New Testament, these six constitute one unit—a total-
ity. It is impossible to separate one aspect from the other. God's
good creation is thoroughly infected by sin, but in all the evil of
the world, God's goodness and love still triumph. In fact, it is be-
cause of God's patience and grace that this evil world of ours still
exists. (See 2 Peter 3:3-10.)
In the New Testament evil and sin are not tied to particular
things, actions, people, or places. Separation from the world does
not mean, therefore, isolation from people and their activities, but
rather from all vainglory, selfishness, and greed. There is much
in this world that is good and beautiful and given for our happi-
ness and enjoyment. But if we use it for our own advancement
and selfish ambitions, then even the best of our thoughts and ac-
tions will reflect the evil spirit of this world. Religion is no excep-
tion!
For what purpose has God placed us in this world? Isa 43:7;
Mark 16:15; John 17:18; Rom. 12:1, 2.
It may all be summed up in these words: to glorify God (Rev.
14:7), to serve our neighbor, and to act as stewards of the world
which God has created for us. The Christian attitude toward the
world, therefore, is on the one•hand positive, an affirmation of the
purpose for which God has placed us here. On the other hand it
must also be a rejection of all evil thoughts and actions.
What does it really mean to be in the world without being of the
world?
In this time of mass communications the child of God has a
greater struggle to be not of the world than has been true since the
days of Sodom. At the same time he has never been kept so in-
stantly in touch with the events and needs of the world that are
flashed everywhere. How earnestly must this call, to be in but not
of the world, be considered today!
Further Study:
Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 129-133.
12
July 4-10
Adult Lesson
U'ra Mulch lin uaraxe
Mkprifl
"We who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live
for the praise of his glory" (Eph. 1:12, RSV).
Last week's lesson ended with the question: "What does it really
mean to be in the world without being of the world?" Christians gener-
ally agree that God has placed them in the world. Great disagreement
exists, however, over the question of
how
to be in the world.
Basically, Christians hold to two views with regard to the church's
relationship to the world. Both views are thoroughly biblical and rooted
in Old and New Testament imagery. But, whereas in Scripture these
two views hold each other in balance, and correct and complement each
other, in the history of Christian thought and practice these views have
generally become isolated from each other. Each of these views gave
rise to different, even opposite, concepts of mission and evangelism,
different forms of church life and church organization, even different
interpretations of Scripture and of the church's calling and destiny.
One view holds that the church in its relationship to the world is
"Christ's fortress in a revolted
world."—Medical Ministry,
p. 89. In
this view, the church and the world are opposites: the one holy and
good, the other corrupt and evil. These two are engaged in a fierce
battle, a great controversy.
The other view, also thoroughly biblical, emphasizes that Chris-
tians should not isolate themselves from the world nor deny themselves
the riches of the world, which, in the words of the apostle Paul, God has
furnished us to enjoy. (See 1 Tim. 6:17.)
The answer to the question about how to be in the world does not
lie in a compromise between these two views. Rather, it lies in the
proper balance between the two. We must emphasize, more than ever
before, the radical difference between believers and unbelievers, be-
tween the church and the world—in life-style, in thoughts, and in be-
havior. On the other hand, we should also stress that the church does
not exist for itself, but for the sake of the world. Like salt, Christians
must mingle with the people of the world and penetrate its whole life
with the savor of the gospel. That was Christ's way. And His way is
the only true way.
13
The Church in the World?
2
Sunday
July 4
Part1
"0 Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high
THE CHURCH
mountain; 0 Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice
A FORTRESS
with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah,
Behold your God!" (Isa. 40:9).
In Old Testament times Israel was frequently described un-
der the symbol of Zion, the hill upon which the old city of David
was situated. (See 2 Sam. 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1.) It was a symbol of the
place—and its people—where God dwelt, His church on earth.
The same applied also to Jerusalem, the city of God. In New
Testament times it became the symbol of the true church where
people would find refuge, peace, and redemption.
What other images does the New Testament use to describe the
church's difference and separation from the world? Eph. 2:19-22;
1 Peter
2:5; 3:20, 21.
The ark of Noah, tossed about by storm and flood, is a fitting
symbol of the church in the world. Outside is death and destruc-
tion, evil, and danger. Inside is safety, life, and redemption. Some
have therefore seen in the boat stories in the Gospels an allusion
to the church in the world. Water and winds were considered
symbols of evil. Only in the boat is safety. (See Matt. 8:23-27;
14:22-27.) A person has to come out of the world and remain sepa-
rated from it in order to be saved.
The image of the building suggests the same: safety and secu-
rity lie in coming out of the world and into the building. The
church is such a "spiritual house."
The illustrations of an ark and of a building both suggest the
visibility of the church in the world, its status and strength. But
whereas the boat is a finished product, the building is not com-
pleted. It is in the process of construction. Only the Foundation
and the Cornerstone are laid forever, and made known to the be-
lievers through prophets and apostles.
How does the image of a building affect the life and conduct of the
believer? Eph. 2:19-23; 1 Peter 2:5.
The believer identifies himself with the family of the house.
He shares in the full rights of the home, but he also must loyally
fulfill his duties of service to strengthen the fellowship, to build up
the house, and to protect it against its enemies.
What do the images of the church as a fortress, a walled city, or
an ark suggest as to the organization of the church?
Further Study:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 599-601.
14
The Church in the World?
2
Monday
July 5
Part 2
THE CHURCH
AS SALT
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall
it
be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but
to be
cast
out,
and to be trodden under foot of men" (Matt. 5:13).
Salt serves three positive purposes—to season, to preserve,
and to purify. These may be applied to the functions of the
church. Thus the church is called to season the world, to pre-
serve it, and to purify it.
"Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added;
it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is through
personal contact and association that men are reached by the sav-
ing power of the gospel. They are not saved in masses, but as
individuals. Personal influence is a power. We must come close to
those whom we desire to
benefit."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
p. 36.
What is the greatest danger to the church as salt? Luke 14:34.
Salt is not used in large amounts to season food, but is sprinkled
on it. Even so the church is as single grains spread in the world to
which it has been added. The greatest danger is that it becomes
so absorbed by its environment that it loses its saltiness. Then it
can no longer function; it is worthless. What does that say about
the danger of living in the world?
In addition to being a sign of the covenant of God, salt had sev-
eral meanings in Old Testament symbolism. Salt was added to
every sacrifice in the Old Testament ritual services (Lev. 2:13).
Without salt the sacrifices were unacceptable. Here the salt
stands for the righteousness of Christ. "Referring to this practice,
Jesus said, 'Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt." Have salt in
yourselves, and have peace with one another.' All who would
present themselves 'a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God'
(Rom. 12:1), must receive the saving salt, the righteousness of our
Saviour. Then they become 'the salt of the earth,' restraining
evil among men, as salt preserves from corruption. Matt. 5:13.
But if the salt has lost its savor; if there is only a profession of
godliness, without the love of Christ, there is no power for good.
The life can exert no saving influence upon the world. Your en-
ergy and efficiency in the upbuilding of My kingdom, Jesus says,
depend upon your receiving of My Spirit. You must be partakers
of My grace, in order to be a savor of life unto life."—The
Desire
of Ages,
p. 439.
How would the aim and methods in the mission of the church as
salt differ from those of the church as a fortress?
Further
Study: Prophets
and Kings,
pp. 231-234.
15
The Church in the World?
2
Tuesday
July 6
Part 3
"Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,
A HOLY a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who
IIATIOII hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter
2:9).
The term "holy nation" suggests a great difference between
the church and the world. But whereas the images of the church
as fortress, ark, building, or city stress the difference in form and
place; holiness is a difference of being. It should be noted immedi-
ately, however, that this holiness is not the result of man's own
choice or work, but a divine gift. Our Lord Jesus Christ "gave
himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her
by the washing of water with the word" (Eph. 5:25-27, RSV).
What Bible meanings for the terms "holy" or "sanctified" could
be applied to the church? See Gen. 2:3; Lev. 11:44, 45; John 17:17;
Heb. 13:12.
The first meaning is that the church is set apart from all ordi-
nary things or thoughts or activities in the world. It is the opposite
of secular or profane or worldly. Second, it means that the church
did not come into existence by its own choice, but by the will of
God, who has called it. They are His people! A third meaning is
that the church—that is, the members of the church, the living
stones of this holy temple—are made pure of mind and perfect of
character. Whereas the spirit of the world is characterized by self-
ishness, greed, quarreling, pride, hatred, envy, and corruption,
saints do not defraud one another or take each other to court; they
are loving, humble, tolerant, patient, peaceful, and compassion-
ate. "Against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:23).
What is the purpose of the church's election as a holy nation?
1 Peter 2:9.
As with Israel of Old Testament times (Ex. 19:5, 6), the
church was not elected for its own self but for the whole world.
Divine election, either of an individual or of a whole group, is al-
ways for the sake of others. "The church is God's appointed
agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and
its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the begin-
ning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be re-
flected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The mem-
bers of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into
His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
p. 9.
How can individual believers best grow in holiness? in isolation
from the world, or by involvement with the world?
16
The Church in the World?
2
Wednesday
July 7
Part 4
"The kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a woman took and
YEAST
mixed with half a hundredweight of flour till it was all leavened"
(Matt. 13:33, NEB).
It is a characteristic of yeast that it works quietly; yet it influ-
ences the whole lump of dough and supports the shape of the
whole loaf. Yeast becomes one with the lump. Yeast represents
the way the Holy Spirit works in the human life and also teaches
us how believers ought to relate to their culture and society, influ-
encing them by their spirit, and changing them from within, rather
than from without.
In what
ways
does the picture of the church as yeast complement
and correct that of the church as fortress or building? How does
that in turn need to be broadened by the view of the church as a holy
nation?
(See
Matt. 13:33; Eph. 2:19-22.)
The image of the building and of the fortress emphasizes not
only the visibility of the church in the world but also its firmness
and commmitment to principles and truth. The apostle Paul, in
his letters to Timothy, specifically mentions this aspect of the
church as the pillar and bulwark of the truth. (See 1 Tim. 3:15.)
The same image of upright support is used in Colossians 1:23 as
an appeal to firm faith and unshakable hope. A similar message is
found in Revelation 3:12.
The church as yeast becomes part of the world to influence it
from within. Principles of freedom and human dignity, concern
for the poor and the oppressed, even science and technology are
some aspects of modern society which have been shaped- by the
Christian "yeast." But such elements of modern life as equality
between male and female, justice for minority groups, concepts of
work, of marriage, sex, and family, need the constant influence of
the Christian yeast, and a whole lot of it! To accomplish that
function of influencing society and culture from within, the yeast
needs constantly to be complemented by the view of the church
as a holy nation and as a fortress.
What forms of mission and ministry best reflect this view of the
church as yeast?
"The followers of Christ are to be separate from the world in
principles and interests, but they are not to isolate themselves
from the world. The Saviour mingled constantly with men, not
to encourage them in anything that was not in accordance with
God's will, but to uplift and ennoble
them."—Counsels to Teach-
ers,
p. 323.
Further Study:
Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 19-23.
17
The Church in the World?
2
Thursday
July 8
Part 5
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but
ALIBIS
having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and em-
MID EXILES
braced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth" (Heb. 11:13).
Some may feel that the image of the church as aliens and exiles
runs counter to the view of the church as citizens of secular soci-
ety (Rom. 13:1-7). How can the same church be composed of
those who are no longer strangers and pilgrims, and yet at the
same time consist of aliens and exiles? The answer is quite sim-
ple, though full of tensions: Christians must be both! As members
of the church they are citizens of the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore they do not fit in with the kingdom of darkness,
.where evil lusts are in control (1 Peter 2:11). As members of soci-
ety they are one with the people among whom they live and work
as Christ came into continual contact with the world, its ambi-
tions, activities, and desires. But in these matters they must re-
main "strangers." Finally, as the records of the men of faith
testify in Hebrews 11, Christians should never become settled on
this earth. To be a Christian in the world means to be a pilgrim.
And that means that, except for time spent in training centers,
Christians should not colonize together but constantly live dis-
persed among the people of the world. (See, for example, James
1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.)
How are believers actually exiles and aliens in their own world?
Heb. 11:8-16.
Everyone who is a member of the household of God thereby
becomes a stranger in his own culture and country for all of his
life (1 Peter 2:11).
What did Jesus say that indicates the risk of living as aliens and
strangers in the world? Matt. 10:16-18, 22; 24:9, 10.
Any society resents those strangers in its midst who do not join
in worshiping the popular idols or in detesting those whom soci-
ety discriminates against.
What really is the relationship between loyalty to God, witnessing
to His name, and persecution?
Further Study:
Steps to Christ,
"Rejoicing in the Lord," pp.
125, 126.
18
The Church in the World?
2
Friday
July 9
Part 6
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did
1BASSADORS
beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to
FOR CHRIST
God" (2 Cor. 5:20).
In this week's lesson, so far, it has been pointed out that there
are two ways in which the church must relate to the world. On the
one hand there's the demand to come out of the world and to be
separate from it. On the other hand we are plainly told that the
essence of being the church in the world is to become one with the
people of the world in taking an interest in their needs, interests,
work, and ambitions. Since both views are clearly biblical, we
now must give consideration to the question: How are these two
views related? And how can they both be implemented? Let there
be no misunderstanding about it: The church must be both
wholly different from the world—in its life-style, thought pat-
terns, and conduct—and at the same time be part of the world and
identify with its needs and activities. It cannot be denied that
there is an inherent tension here. But we must learn to live with
that tension and make it fruitful in our lives.
Describe the role of an ambassador for Christ. Eph. 6:20; 2 Cor.
5:17-20.
We are called to represent Christ in and to the world. And at the
same time we are called to bring the world to Christ. In order to
do so we must be both a member of the household of Christ and a
child of this world in the same way that Christ Himself was both
the Son of God and the Son of man. Christian life in the world is
characterized by a pendulum movement. We are called out of the
world and sent back in; we are gathered and dispersed. This
pendulum movement has at least three aspects. First, there is
the weekly rhythm of coming out of the world where we live and
work to worship and fellowship together on God's holy day. As
we worship and fellowship together, we realize that we are not
doing it for our own selves, but to the glory of God and for the
sake of the world. Each worship service, therefore, should be a
preparation for our dispersion into the world, for whom the
church exists. Second, there is our daily involvement in the
world's secular affairs and our coming out of the world to be with
Christ in our daily devotions. Third, we participate in the am-
bassadorial role of the church as missionaries, serving, proclaim-
ing, and returning with the fruit of our labor.
Why must we balance these two views of the church?
Further Study:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 9-12.
19
July 11.17
Adult Lesson
66
"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into
the world" (John 17:18).
The incarnation is at the heart of the gospel. It teaches us clearly
what God's objectives are for His church on earth today: (1) In Christ
the work of salvation has been accomplished. In Him God has recon-
ciled the world unto Himself. The kingdom has come! This message
of redemption, freedom, and peace, however, needs to be proclaimed in
all the world. To that end has Christ sent us into the world. (2) The
message of the New Testament is that, with the first coming of Christ,
the kingdom of God has become a reality on earth. (See Matt. 4:17;
12:28.) This kingdom, however, does not consist of words, but of
deeds. (See Luke 6:46-49.) It is a lived reality, embodied in flesh and
blood, in conduct, and in relations between people. (See verse 21.)
(3) Christ came into this world to bring healing to the sick, to set at
liberty those who are oppressed, to feed the hungry, to help the poor, to
strengthen those who are weak. (See, for example, Luke 4:18-21.) In
obedience to our Master and in imitation of His own example, we must
make Christ's goals our own! (See Isa. 58:6-10;
The Desire of Ages,
p.
369.) (4) Jesus came into this world to unmask the devil and to show the
true nature of evil and sin (1 John 3:8). Said Jesus Himself: "I saw Satan
fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18, RSV). And immediately
He then added, "I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy" (verse 19, RSV).
(5)
Jesus said that for judgment He had come into the world (John 9:39).
This work of judgment is also being accomplished through His
church. By putting their trust in God and accepting the light which
shines into the world through the proclamation, service, and fellowship
of the church, people will be saved. But those who choose darkness
over light are thereby condemned already (John 3:18, 19). The com-
mission to preach the gospel of salvation is therefore at the same time a
warning of the judgment. All this is accomplished by participating in the
work of Christ from the heavenly sanctuary through the power of His
Spirit.
20
"So Send I You"
3
Sunday
July 11
Part 1
TO SAVE
THE LOST
"The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost"
(Luke 19:10).
When man fell into sin, a plan began to unfold immediately
whereby God's wayward children could be saved and His king-
dom could be restored. At first God had talked to man face to
face; but after Adam and Eve had sinned, God could reach them
only through intermediaries. No man can see God and live (Ex.
33:20). So God sent to man His angels, His Spirit, His help, and
redemption (Ps. 20:2; 1 1 1 :9)—sometimes also the plague and the
sword (Jeremiah 27 and 29). He has sent prophets and other peo-
ple with special messages of hope. At one time God even called a
whole nation into existence and placed it at the crossroads of the
world with the goal of bringing an end to all suffering, quarreling,
and oppression in the world. But none of these agencies could
accomplish what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ, His own
Son; namely, "to redeem those who were under the law, so that
we might receive adoption as sons" (Gal. 4:5, RSV), and to re-
store the kingdom of God.
What has been the effect of Christ's saving ministry in the world?
Rom. 3:24-26; 5:1-11; 6:4, 9-11; Gal. 3:24-29; Col. 1:20-23; 2:6, 7.
"Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None
but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by
sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He
came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character
after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful
with His own glory."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 37, 38.
In what way are Christians called to participate in Christ's minis-
try of salvation? Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19, 20; 2 Cor. 5:20.
The Saviour's commission to the disciples included all the
believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is
a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends
alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspira-
tion has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the
life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow
men. For this work the church was established, and all who
take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be
co-workers with Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 822.
Who are the people in your part of the world who have not yet
heard the gospel? In what ways could you best be involved in the
work of reaching them?
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 825-828.
21
"So Send I You"
3
Monday
July 12
Part 2
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for
TO RESTORE
a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt.
THE KINGDOM
24:14).
With the coming of Christ the kingdom of God has become es-
tablished. The great pillars of that kingdom are love, freedom,
humility, and obedience. At one time the whole universe was
based on these principles. But then pride arose in the mind of Lu-
cifer. He perverted the freedom which God had granted to His
creatures; and, moved by selfish ambition, he led many to revolt
against the King of the universe, first the angels, then also man.
Not only was the harmony in the universe broken and God's au-
thority put in question, but Satan also claimed the earth as his and
styled himself the prince of this world. And indeed, through his
control of men, he held dominion over the world. But in Christ,
God's sovereignty over the world has been restored; the way is
open for man to be set free from the power of the devil. The
dominion Adam had lost through sin has been recovered by Je-
sus. The principles of God's kingdom have been proved true
and right, and man can be restored to the image of his Maker.
What evidence did Jesus give that the kingdom of God was re-
stored? Matt. 11:4-6; 13:19, 24, 31, 44, 45, 47.
The coming of the kingdom of God is the central theme of
Jesus' life and work. It is the fundamental message of His par-
ables, and is supported by His miracles. That evidence, how-
ever, rests on our acceptance of His Word. If we fail to see who
Jesus really is—namely, the Messiah—then even His miracles are
no evidence that the kingdom has come. But to those who repent
of their sins, and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, these
miracles are clear signs that the kingdom of God has indeed been
established in Christ.
In what ways are Christ's followers today called to restore and to
build the kingdom of God? Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20; Rev. 14:6, 7;
18:1-3.
The kingdom is brought about by God Himself, but He uses
human instrumentality to implement it. Christ has called His
church to set up the kingdom of God in the world. (See
The Acts
of the Apostles,
p. 16.) And, though that kingdom of God is not of
this world, it does express itself in earthly realities such as rela-
tionships between people, human conduct, work, art, and cul-
ture.
Further Study:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 13-16.
22
"So Send I You"
3
Tuesday
July 13
Part 3
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me
TO HELP
to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the
THE POOR
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are
bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18,
19).
Bible commentators generally agree that "the acceptable year
of the Lord" refers to the year of jubilee; that is, every fiftieth
year, when the slaves were freed, debts were canceled, property
was returned to its original owner, and provisions were made for
the poor. (See Leviticus 25 and 27.) The work of Christ had this
effect too. "Explaining the words He had read, He spoke of the
Messiah as a reliever of the oppressed, a liberator of captives, a
healer of the afflicted, restoring sight to the blind, and revealing to
the world the light of truth."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 237.
How has this work of the Messiah been fulfilled in Jesus' life and
work? Matt. 11:4-6; 14:14-21.
It is important to stress here that Jesus was not sent to reform
society or to create a new economic order. Yet the implementa-
tion of the principles of the kingdom of God had that effect! The
poor found a new dignity and the oppressed a new equality. The
hungry were filled with good things, and the rich were sent away
empty. (See Luke 1:53.) And wherever the gospel of the kingdom
is preached with power, people are transformed and—as a re-
sult—societies are changed!
In what ways should the followers of Christ today follow the di-
rection of Jesus and the example of His apostles? Matt. 10:5-8; Gal.
2:9, 10.
At the time of writing this lesson, over 60 percent of the world
population is undernourished; some 20,000 people are starving to
death every day. In many areas of the world, poverty has reached
such a deplorable state that it is robbing people of their human
dignity. Millions of people lack the most basic form of human
freedom; large groups of people are being oppressed. What
should the church's mission be in these conditions? (See
The De-
sire of Ages,
pp. 637, 640.)
What part are we as Sabbath School members having in the
various channels of outreach to the world's physical needs?
Through community services, Seventh-day Adventist World
Services, and other agencies than our own, we can help. Fel-
lowship in serving brings us near to the heart of Christ.
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 637-641.
23
"So Send I You"
3
Wednesday
July 14
Part 4
TO UNMASK
THE DEVIL
"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might
destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
Jesus came into this world to unmask the devil and to show the
true nature of evil and sin. The devil conceals his real purpose
and hides behind a "screen of light" so that he can lead us astray.
But he is a liar! (See John 8:44.) Jesus came to make that very
clear. Christ also explained to His hearers that evil often appears
in the disguise of respected social and religious leaders and in the
form of accepted institutions, rules, and regulations. Jesus
warned the people of "the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sad-
ducees" (Matt. 16:6, 11). By revealing to the world the real
source of evil and the different forms it takes in life, Jesus actually
destroyed the work of the devil. He bids us to follow His exam-
ple.
In light of the following passages, why do you think it was impor-
tant for Christ to reveal the true nature of the devil and sin? Rev.
12:7-11; Heb. 2:14, 15; 1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Peter 3:10-12.
It is imperative for us to understand the true nature of sin and
the forms and disguises in which evil operates in this world. How
else would we be able to "resist the devil" (James 4:7)? How
would we be able to overcome evil unless we know what and
where it is? (See Rom. 12:21; 1 John 2:13, 14.)
But there is another reason still. Our world is a spectacle to the
whole universe. Even the angels who have remained loyal to God
did not quite comprehend the nature of sin and of Lucifer's rebel-
lion. For the good of the universe, therefore, it has become im-
perative that the true character of the devil and his workings be
clearly understood. In the life and death of Christ, this work has
been accomplished.
How should the followers of Christ participate in this work of
unmasking the devil and of revealing the true nature of evil in the
world? Matt. 10:1, 7.
A church that takes seriously its mission in the world will pro-
claim and practice principles of truth that will clearly contrast
with the evil that keeps millions of people in physical, mental,
spiritual, or social bondage and threatens the growth of the be-
lievers.
Should Christians publicly denounce evil in society if certain
practices, habits, and institutions clearly defy the principles of the
kingdom of God? (See
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 509, 510.)
Further Study;
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 138-142.
24
"So Send I You"
3
Thursday
July 15
Part 5
"Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they
TO JUDGE
which see not might see; and that they which see might be made
THE WORLD
blind" (John 9:39).
It is on the basis of the sacrifice of Christ at the cross and the
work of the Holy Spirit on hearts that have never heard the actual
gospel story that the world will be judged. A man without a
knowledge of what constitutes sin is not held accountable for his
sinful deeds. After a person has learned by the law what sin is and
has been offered pardon through the blood of Jesus Christ, he be-
comes responsible for his deeds. When he continues living in sin
and remains separated from God, he is guilty and stands con-
demned before God. This is what divides the spiritually seeing
from the spiritually blind. The proclamation of the gospel,
therefore, always carries with it a warning of the impending judg-
ment. Jesus Himself explains it this way: If a person accepts the
light and lives by it, he does not fall under the judgment. But if a
person rejects the light of life and chooses to remain in darkness,
he stands already condemned before God. (See John 3:16-20.)
How are Christians called to participate in this work of judgment
today? Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 6:1-5; Gal. 6:1.
It is through the life and work of the church that God is bringing
about the judgment. Christ sends us as light into darkness, in the
same way as He Himself came as the light of the world. (See John
8:12; 9:4, 5; Matt. 5:14-16.) If people refuse to live by the light and
choose darkness, they are thereby condemned.
This raises the question: Do we represent Christ so that peo-
ple who have seen and heard us have seen and heard Christ?
The world will be judged by its attitude toward Christ. But if
they have never heard or seen Him clearly in the lives and words
of the church, then how can they be held responsible? The call
to mission is an awesome responsibility.
When will a final judgment take place? John 12:31; Heb. 9:27;
Jude 6; Rev. 20:4.
In a sense, the judgment began with the first coming of Christ.
However, the Bible speaks of a certain day at the end of time
when the living and the dead will be judged. In preparation for
that great day, Christ has called into existence a movement which
He has sent into all the world to warn it of impending judgment.
Are we really preparing the world for this great day of judgment?
What does this work imply?
Further Study:
The Great Controversy,
pp. 603-612.
25
"So Send I You"
3
Friday
July 16
Part 6
"Of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have
TO TAKE
such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the
PART IN
Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true
JUDGMENT
tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not men" (Heb. 8:1, 2).
Christ's mission did not end at the cross. After His ascension
He was seated at the right hand of God (Eph. 1:20-23) where He
continued His work. An understanding of Christ's continuing
work in the heavenly sanctuary is needed in order for the church
to understand fully its mission in the world today. The church
has no other mission but to participate in the continuing work of
Christ.
What is Christ's work in the heavenly sanctuary, in which He has
called us to participate? Eph. 1:19-23; Heb. 4:14-16; 9:24; 2 Cor.
5:10.
This work of Christ is threefold: He is Lord and Ruler of all
things; He serves as man's Mediator and High Priest; He is Judge
of all.
First, it is because Christ has been given full authority and all
power in heaven and on earth that His mission on earth contin-
ues. It was on the basis of that power and authority that Christ has
sent us into all the world as His ambassadors (Matt. 28:18-20).
Mark says that when the Lord sat down at the right hand of God,
His disciples went forth and preached everywhere, while the
Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs
that attended it (Mark 16:15-20). And beyond that, Christ is ruling
over this world in the affairs of nations and in the activities of
men. The book of Revelation gives us a powerful description of
Christ's ruling activities in the world, in which the church is
called to participate through obedience, faithful witness, humble
service, and love.
Second is Christ's ministry of reconciliation. He lives contin-
ually to make intercession for us (Heb.
7:25);
He is drawing peo-
ple to Himself (John 12:32) and is making applications of His
atoning sacrifice at the cross (Heb. 10:19-22). This intercessory
work is just as essential to accomplish His mission of restoration
and reconciliation as was His death upon the cross.
Finally, Christ is at work as Judge. Since 1844, this work,
which the Father had entrusted to the Son (John 5:22), has been
in its final stage. Those who have received Christ and His Word
will be separated from the ones who rejected Him. Now is the
time in which this separation will be final, and the saints will in-
herit the kingdom which the Lord has prepared for them.
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 802-808.
26
July 18-24
4
Adult Lesson
Christ Our
Example
"I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord;
neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these
things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:15-17).
In Christ's mission to the world His followers find the purpose and
direction of their own mission. The direction is toward the millions of
people on earth in their needs, interests, and activities. The purpose
is that all these people be saved and the kingdom of God be restored.
And since we are living in the last days of this world's history, this mis-
sion of reconciliation, warning, and restoration has an immense ur-
gency. Jesus said that as the Father had sent Him into the world, so
He sent the disciples into the world. (See John 17:18; 20:21.) This
thought was the theme of last week's lesson study, but it has another
dimension still. It tells us about our Sender and the purpose of our mis-
sion in the world. It speaks about the kind of work we are called to do,
but it also emphasizes what kind of life the followers of Christ should
live and how their mission in the world can be achieved.
Some will say now that the life and the work of Christ in the world
were so particular, and therefore so different from ours, that they can-
not be the model for us. In a way, of course, that observation is correct.
After all, He was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:13-16).
Yet the Bible also tells us that Jesus was verily man. He is called the
Son of man, an expression used more than 80 times in the Gospels to
indicate that "as Jesus was in human nature, so God means His follow-
ers to
be."—Sons and Daughters of God,
p. 21. Found in the likeness
of man, Jesus became as one of us. (See Rom. 8:3; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 2:10-
17.) He was subject to our infirmities and weaknesses; He identified
with our needs, frailties, and failings. He also subjected Himself to all
the humbling conditions of man in this world and was in everything
tempted as we are (Heb. 2:14-18), all with one exception: Jesus did not
sin (Heb. 4:15).
From His Sonship and His divine origin we may learn the purpose
of our life and mission in the world. In His humanity, Jesus has shown
us how to live in this world, and how we can fulfill the purpose and
mission of our lives.
27
Christ our Example
4
Sunday
July 18
Part 1
TO GLORIFY
GOD
"I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work
which thou gayest me to do" (John 17:4).
These words truly characterize the whole person and life of
Jesus Christ: "I have glorified thee on the earth." He did not seek
His own glory (John 8:50), but the glory of Him who sent Him
(7:18). His whole life and thought centered in God. And because
of that total surrender of His will and His whole self to God who
sent Him, Jesus could be the person He was and accomplish His
mission in the world.
Give some clear examples of how Jesus glorified God in His life.
Matt. 4:1-10; John 4:34; Luke 5:23-26; 18:18, 19.
From the very beginning of His life to the very end Jesus
lived for God, glorifying Him and doing His will only. As a child,
Jesus explained to His earthly parents: "Did you not know that I
must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49, RSV). His love for
His heavenly Father came first. Faced with temptation, Jesus
found in His surrender to God His power and strength to over-
come the evil one. And because of that attitude, the devil left
Him. Whereas the first Adam failed because of his desire to be
equal with God, the second Adam, though of divine origin Him-
self, "did not think to snatch at equality with God, but made him-
self nothing. . . . He humbled himself. . . . Therefore God
raised him to the heights" (Phil. 2:6-9, NEB).
At the end of His life, when He was wrestling in the garden,
Jesus cried out: "Not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42).
He would rather die, in obedience to God, than to seek a way out
that was not according to God's will. Is not the hallmark of Jesus'
life in this world contained in His words: "My food is to do the
will of him who sent me" (John 4:34, RSV).
What was the effect of this attitude of Jesus on the people who
heard Him and saw Him? John 8:37-43.
To His believing followers, Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say
to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and
greater works than these will he do, because
I
go to the Father.
Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may
be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do
it" (John 14:12-14, RSV).
What detracts me in this world from really following Christ's ex-
ample to glorify God in my life?
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 114-123.
28
Christ our Example
4
Monday
July 19
Part 2
"Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for
DOING
the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made
HIS WILL
heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters" (Rev.
14:7).
Seventh-day Adventists have found in this message of the first
angel of Revelation 14 the foundation of their work and mission in
the world. All too little attention has been given, however, to the
question of how these nations, kindreds, tongues, and people
could be persuaded to give glory to God and to honor Him.
From Jesus' own example we may have to learn that people
believe what they see in others. When our lives are, by the grace
of Christ, a reflection of God's character, and thus a praise to His
name, the world will better know what it means to give glory to
God.
What are some of the ways in which we are called to glorify God?
John 15:8; Rom. 15:5-9; 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31.
"Love for God, zeal for His glory, and love for fallen human-
ity, brought Jesus to earth to suffer and to die. This was the
controlling power in His life. This principle He bids us adopt."
—The Desire of Ages,
p. 330.
The kingdom of God and its righteousness should be first and
uppermost in our minds and hearts, ambitions and desires (Matt.
6:33). We must learn to pray again "Thy will be done" (Matt.
6:10) and then, as true servants of Christ, do the will of God from
the heart (Eph. 6:6).
What will be the result when believers glorify God in their life
and work? Matt. 5:16; Rom. 15:9.
The effect of our life and work will be the same as Christ's:
people will glorify God and put their faith in Him. There will
also be others who will be annoyed and reject Christ, thinking it
foolish to attribute their life and health and everything else to
God. (See Acts 17:25, 28; Rom. 1:20-23.) But the result of that
rejection of God will be that they will be "filled with all manner of
wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice" (Rom. 1:29, RSV).
When this separation between those who glorify God and those
who boast in their own achievements beomes complete, the Lord
will return. The call to honor and glorify God is a work to which
God has called His church in these last days. (See Rev. 14:6, 7.)
In which ways do I glorify God in my life and thought and work?
(Read Rom. 6:11-14.)
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 328-332.
29
Christ our Example
4
Tuesday
July 20
Part 3
A LIFE
OF SERVICE
"Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to
minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
Jesus' life on earth centered in glorifying God and in serving
His neighbor. In fact, these two are inseparable. He who loves
God also loves his brother. And we serve God by serving our
neighbor. (See 1 John 4:13-21; Matt. 25:31-46.)
What do the following passages teach us about the purpose of Je-
sus' life? Matt. 4:23-25; Luke 8:1-3. (See also Acts 10:38.)
Christ found His fulfillment in life, not in being served, but in
serving others. His fellow human beings came first in His life! So
much so that He took upon Himself our griefs and our sorrows;
He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniq-
uities (Isa. 53:4-6); He bore the penalty of our wrongdoings. Yes,
He took upon Himself our diseases so that we might be healed;
He chose death so that we might find life (Isa. 53:7-9; John 17:
1-3). The cross, that great sign of His absolute surrender to the
will of God, is at the same time the most powerful evidence of His
love for His fellowmen. Christ's every thought and act showed
that He lived for others. He even died for us. (See 2 Cor. 5:15;
1 Thess. 5:10.)
In what ways is Christ's ministry in the world an example for
every believer? John 13:12-17; Phil. 2:5-11.
Christ's acts of service can never be equaled by us. But we
must develop the same attitude. At one time Jesus called a child
and put it before His disciples, saying, Unless you change and
become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of
heaven (Matt. 18:1-4). On another occasion Jesus compared the
way of the world with the principles of His kingdom. In the world
the greatest are those with authority, power, and position. But
not so among the believers. There the greatest is the one who
serves the most. (See Luke 22:24-27; Matt. 23:11, 12.)
Think of people in the world today who would need your service
most. Are you ready to serve them? In what ways? What is actually
hindering you from serving them?
"In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exemplifica-
tion of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God
does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by uphold-
ing all things, He is constantly ministering for others."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
p. 649.
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 649-651.
30
Christ our Example
4
Wednesday
July 21
Part
4
"He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
LOVING MY
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with
NEIGHBOR
all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him,
Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live" (Luke
10:27, 28).
Love to God and to our neighbor is closely intertwined. We
show our love to God by loving our neighbor. If a person says he
loves God but hates his brother, he is a liar. (See 1 John 4:20, 21.)
By what means do we express our love for our neighbor? Luke
10:29-37; James 2:1-9; Matt. 25:31-46.
"In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the na-
ture of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems,
creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bring-
ing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
p. 497.
What should be the basis of our life of service in the world? 2 Cor.
5:14-18; 1 John 4:19-21.
Christian service, though it may outwardly at times resemble
the work of other service agencies, is rooted in the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ. His love leaves us no other choice. But without that
love as the motivating factor all our service is of little value. "If I
give away all I have, and if
I
deliver my body to be burned, but
have not love, I gain nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3, RSV). In a message
that carries symbolic significance, the Lord spoke of the many
good works of the believers of the church at Ephesus. But He
rebuked them for having lost the love they had at first. So God
warned them to repent and do the same works, but now rooted in
love. (See Rev. 2:1-5.)
What is the relationship between the proclamation of the gospel
and Christian service? Can the one bear fruit without the other?
"The work of gathering in the needy, the oppressed, the suf-
fering, the destitute, is the very work which every church that
believes the truth for this time should long since have been doing.
We are to show the tender sympathy of the Samaritan in sup-
plying physical necessities, feeding the hungry, bringing the poor
that are cast out to our homes, gathering from God every day
grace and strength that will enable us to reach to the very depths
of human misery and help those who cannot possibly help them-
selves."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 276.
Further Study:
Christian Service,
pp. 186-193.
31
Christ our Example
4
Thursday
July 22
Part 5
"Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there
M THE POWER
was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of
OF GOD
man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (Matt. 8:26,
27).
Indeed, what sort of man is this? It is important to stress here
that Jesus did not calm the waves and quiet the winds in the
power of His innate divinity. He had laid that aside. Jesus' power
in the world—whether of nature or of man—was the power of
God in response to His request as a man. It is a power, therefore,
which God may entrust to any believer who puts his whole trust in
God as Jesus did. "It was not as the 'Master of earth and sea and
sky' that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down,
and He says, 'I can of Mine own self do nothing.' John 5:30. He
trusted in the Father's might. It was in faith—faith in God's
love and care—that Jesus rested, and the power of that word
which stilled the storm was the power of God."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 336.
What promise is there that believers may have the kind of power
that Jesus had in His day? Mark 16:16-20; Matt. 17:14-21.
The question is important for a number of reasons. If we
would, we could indeed become reflections of what Jesus was in
human flesh. By the aid of the Spirit, we could overcome even our
hereditary tendencies. (See
The Desire of Ages,
p. 671;
The Min-
istry of Healing,
p. 175.) Instead of their controlling us, we could
keep them under control and change them. (See Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1138; vol. 6, p.
1101;
Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 315;
Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 259.) If we would, the effect of our collective lives in this world
could have a much wider extent even than Jesus' own work, as
He said it would. (See John 14:12;
The Desire of Ages,
p. 664.)
Scripture affirms that we could indeed have the power to resist
evil. (See 1 John 3:9, 10.)But
if we fail to do so, it is because we
do not exercise the gift of faith.
(See Matt. 17:14-20.) As Ellen
White once wrote so powerfully, "He (Christ) came to the world
to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its re-
storing power. God was manifested in Him that He might be
manifested in them. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no
powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect
humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will
be in subjection to God as He
was."—The Desire of Ages,
p. 664.
By what means and to what extent may we
exercise
the power
that Christ revealed?
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 662-670.
32
Christ our Example
4
Friday
July 23
Part 6
"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form
MISSION AS of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found
INCARNATION in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto
death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:7, 8).
Christ came to reveal to the world the true nature of God as our
Father. He came to bring about reconciliation and restoration
and to make an end to sin, death, and the devil. And He did so by
taking the form of a human being, by becoming one with the peo-
ple whom He was seeking to save, by identifying with the world,
and by participating in its life and activities. From Christ's ex-
ample we learn, therefore, that all mission must continue by His
followers' becoming one with those to whom they have been sent,
identifying with their deepest needs, and participating in their
daily activities in order to claim them for Christ. The "mission-
ary identification" has always a double aspect: (1) Christ living in
us (Gal. 2:20), for without Him we can do nothing (John 15:4-6);
and (2) we become one with the people to whom we have been
sent as His representatives.
In what ways did the apostle Paul relate to people in order to
reach them with the gospel? 1 Cor. 9:19-23.
Our world is a mosaic of different cultures and societies, races
and religions, economic and political ideologies, classes and com-
munities. And all of them are constantly changing. Would this
mean, then, that different methods of labor and a variety of forms
of communicating the message should be devised, which must
also constantly change? Yes! We must "realize the necessity of
adapting . . . to circumstances, and meeting the people where
they
are." —Gospel Workers,
p. 381.
By the parable of the four kinds of soil, Jesus illustrated the need
to make a careful study of the world into which we are sent with the
gospel in order to plan and prepare for a rich harvest of souls. Read
Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23.
In what
ways
does the need to identify with people of different
cultures, times, societies affect the way we preach the message?
The church has always faced the challenge of adapting its
message to the changing times and places in which it has worked.
One great difficulty is to adapt the message without basically
changing the message. Nearly every major step that has diluted
the authority of the Bible has started out as an attempt to make it
mean more to a particular time or people.
Further Study:
Gospel Workers,
pp. 330-333, 406, 480.
33
July 25-31
5
Adult Lesson
The Gospel an
Culture
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude which no man could
number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood be-
fore the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and
palms in their hands" (Rev.
7:9).
Our world is composed of vastly different cultures. At the second
coming of Christ people from these diverse cultures will bless their
Lord, shouting, "Salvation to our God" (Rev. 7:10). Christians are both
a channel and a reflection of this experience of unity in diversity.
To accomplish this experience to its fullest extent, the church
needs to understand the meaning of culture, the relationship of culture
to the life of the church and the spread of the gospel. The last part of
last week's lesson made us aware of the fact that, in order to reach peo-
ple with the gospel of Christ, methods of labor and ways of communica-
tion must be developed which will meet this great diversity of cultures
in the world. Second, we learned that the message itself should be
shaped to meet the particular needs and circumstances in which people
find themselves
(Gospel Workers,
p. 330). This does not mean, of
course, that there is no absolute truth. There most certainly is. But
much of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus comes to us in the particular
forms and expressions of human cultures. This week's lesson is ex-
ploring this issue further: What is culture? How does it affect a person's
life and religious experience? In which ways does culture shape the
church's message and mission? What effects does culture change have
on the church? How can the church maintain unity amidst the diversity
of cultures represented by its believers around the world?
Before we turn to the Word of God for some answers and guidelines
on these questions, we need first to settle on the following comprehen-
sive definition of culture: Culture is the way a particular group of people
thinks, feels, expresses itself, behaves, and arranges its whole life and
existence. Culture is people's design for living. Culture is what makes
us the persons we are in human society. It is the framework, also, in
which the gospel reaches us—in which it must express itself and bear
fruit. It is a source both of strength and of conflict, a vehicle and an
obstacle to the gospel and the believer's growth in truth and in Christian
maturity.
34
August 1-7
Adult Lesson
one= lm es
tal
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a world-wide communion of
faith. The social issues with which it is confronted differ from area to
area. But, even though the issues chosen for this week's lesson are of
greater significance in some areas than in others, they do remind con-
gregations everywhere that social issues confronting the church should
be taken seriously and be dealt with in the light of the Word of God.
The first issue,
abortion,
is a social problem in some countries, but
much less in others. In quite a number of countries in the world, abor-
tion is legal, free for all women who want it, and in some cases, even
required by law. In other countries it is still illegal, or partly so.
Adventists, and Adventist women in particular, should not be guided in
this issue merely by whether it is legal or not. The greater question is
whether it is moral and acceptable in the eyes of God!
Gambling,
the second issue chosen for this week's lesson, takes
many different forms and shapes, from betting to bingo. Sometimes it is
connected with sports, sometimes with purely charitable institutions.
The issue is not the races or the places, but the act of gambling itself.
Race relations
have created problems in societies everywhere, from
ancient times until the present. They are also very much an issue in
the church itself. It is imperative, however, that from the very start of
our study we apply the principles involved to all relations between peo-
ple of different origin or background, whether of nation, caste, class, or
race. In human society race relations are never determined by biologi-
cal factors alone, but also by economic status and cultural background.
Prejudice has a wider connotation than merely racial prejudice.
Finally,
the status of women in society and the relations between
male and female
are issues that affect the life and the work of the
church in many ways. May these lessons help us to become more one—
one in Christ and one with each other—so that the world may believe
(John 17:20-23).
41
Social Issues Confronting the Church
6
Monday
August 2
Part 2
"You who forsake the Lord,
GAMBLING
who forget my holy mountain,
who set a table for Fortune
and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny;
I will destine you to the sword" (Isa. 65:11, 12, RSV).
The Christian will have a loving concern for fellow beings. In
gambling, a person seeks to benefit himself at the expense of an-
other. That is perhaps the main reason why Christians should
not gamble. It is unloving and against the principle on which the
Ten Commandments are based. Paul wrote: "Love worketh no
ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law"
(Rom. 13:10). All other evils connected with gambling are rooted
in the failure to love.
What is wrong with gambling? What principles do these texts
provide on which to make a decision? Isa. 65:11, 12; Ex. 20:17;
1 Thess. 4:11, 12; 1 Tim. 6:6-10.
Some of the basic elements of gambling are these:
artificial risk
(unlike the natural risks of life);
profit for which one has not
worked; gain at somebody else's expense.
What's wrong with
gambling? It violates such divine commandments as those found
in Exodus 20:17 and Leviticus 19:13. It is the opposite of the bibli-
cal counsel to work for one's own living (2 Thess. 3:10, 12 etc.).
Gambling is habit-forming; it is as compulsive a power as alcohol
and drugs and puts the gambler into bondage. (See 1 Cor. 6:12;
Gal. 4:8, 9.) It thereby robs him of peace and honor to say nothing
of the harm it can do to his faith, hope, family, home, career and
future.
What could the church do to help people—believers and unbe-
lievers—to overcome a habit of gambling?
(1) As a church, avoid organizing raffles, lotteries, bingo, prize
packages, and other chance games at all cost. (See
The Great
Controversy,
p. 387.) (2) Train counselors to help gamblers to
overcome the habit and to win them to Christ. (See
Evangelism,
pp. 267, 268, 288, 289.) (3) Prepare materials to educate people,
especially the youth, concerning the dangers of gambling.
Further
Study: Fundamentals
of Christian Education,
p. 312.
43
Social Issues Confronting the Church
6
Thursday
August 5
Part 5
What is the Christian answer to the problem of race relations?
RACE
1ELATIONS-3
"Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea,
though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth
know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a
new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are be-
come new" (2 Cor. 5:16, 17).
Of all prejudices, racial prejudice seems the most difficult to
overcome. Racial prejudice, also, is the most widespread. It oc-
curs among people of all races, from the most ancient times until
the present. What is prejudice? What are some of its basic
causes? Prejudice is an attitude with an emotional bias. It can also
mean jumping to conclusions before considering facts.
Prejudice goes back to two main sources: external and internal.
On the one hand we know that prejudice, like all aspects of human
culture and behavior, is learned. It is part of our social heritage.
Once it is learned at home, in the group with which we associate,
it feeds upon selected facts from our social and economic envi-
ronment to prove that we are right. On the other hand, we are also
aware of some internal causes of prejudice: human egotism, fear
(including the fear of losing power or position), selfishness, and
aggressive tendencies; further, the need to belong and the need
for identity, which often express themselves in a rejection of oth-
ers. (Physical differences make these social differences more
clearly identifiable.) There is also the tendency in man to judge
others by one or a few characteristics only, and then the worst of
them. Stereotyping is overlooking the fact that there are good and
bad persons in every race and that each of us has weak and strong
points.
What is the biblical way of viewing other people? Phil. 2:1-5;
Luke 10:25-37.
Though we have known the example of Christ whom we are
called to follow and though we have heard His admonitions to
love our neighbors and to respect them, we continue to struggle
with our prejudices. What can we do about them? Ministers,
teachers, and all other church workers must lead the way in seek-
ing the power of the Spirit for victory over prejudice. Then they
can teach the nature of and reasons for prejudice; present the
facts concerning people of other races, classes, and cultures; and
stimulate interracial fellowship.
Further Study:
Lev. 19:33, 34; Deut. 10:19; 24:17; Isa. 56:3, 6;
Eze. 47:23; Mal. 3:5;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 136-142.
46
August 8-14
7
Adult Lesson
ristian
rk
"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work" (Ex. 20:9).
Work is essential to human life and to the fulfillment of our divine
calling. This biblical view of work differs greatly from that of the non-
Christian world. Many regard work merely as a necessity, even a curse.
In Scripture, however, work is part of the divine order of the world and
a God-given function of human life. "Man goeth forth unto his work and
to his labour until the evening" (Ps. 104:23).
Sometimes we hear it said that work represents the legacy of the
curse of Adam. Nothing is farther from the truth. Work was already an
integral part of God's original intention when He created man in His
own image and then commissioned him to till the garden and to keep it.
(See Gen. 2:15.) After sin entered into the world, work, like everything
else in life, was negatively affected. But along with the hardship that
resulted from the Fall, work was appointed a blessing, offering man
healing, strength, happiness, and relief. (See
Child Guidance,
pp. 342-
349.) Work was part of God's plan for man's recovery from sin. (See
Counsels to Teachers,
p. 274.) And it will forever be a delightful feature
of man's life on the new earth, when people will build houses and plant
vineyards. (See Isa. 65:21-23.)
It is significant to remember that Jesus chose to be born into a work-
ing-class family, and that He Himself became an artisan and craftsman.
(See Mark 6:3.) Ultimately, all human work is rooted in God's own ac-
tivity. (See 2 Peter 1:3, 4.)
In Scripture no distinction—let alone separation—is made between
mental work and physical labor. The notion that one aspect of man's
work—or that one kind of work—would be innately higher or better or
more important than another is totally foreign to biblical thinking.
Though work is essential to all human life, growth, and develop-
ment, it is not the whole of it. Neither is it man's only important activ-
ity. As humans were created to share in the joy of their Creator in His
work, so were they created to share in His meditation and rest. (See
Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Heb. 4:4-10.)
48
A Christian View of Work
7
Sunday
August 8
Part 1
A WORKING
GOD
"Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I
work" (John 5:17).
Our God is a working God. The whole universe is the work of
the Godhead (Ps. 8:3, 6; 19:1, etc.). And after They had finished
Their work of creation, the Godhead continued to be creatively
at work in the world.
What is the nature of the work of God? Ps. 33:13-19; Phil. 2:13.
The whole Bible describes God as being actively and con-
stantly at work for the sustenance of His creation (Heb. 1:3) and
for the good of man and his salvation (Isa. 44:22, 23). He gives us
life and breath and everything (Acts 17:25); He directs in the af-
fairs of nations (Acts 17:26; Romans 13), draws men and women
to Himself (John 12:32), liberates His people and builds His
church (Eph. 2:18-22).
In addition to His creative work, what special work does the Bible
ascribe to Christ? Rom. 5:10, 11; Heb. 9:11; John 5:22; Rev. 19:16.
The redemptive work of Jesus may be described under four
main headings: His sacrifice, His priesthood (mediatorship), His
judgment, and His kingship. All four aspects, of course, belong
together and are inextricably intertwined.
What clue might there be to Jesus' vocation in Mark 6:3 and Mat-
thew 13:55, and what could it mean to our view of work?
Jesus learned a trade and worked as a craftsman. Though this
aspect of Jesus' work usually receives little attention, His partici-
pation in physical work sheds a light on the biblical understand-
ing of work. "By His own example He taught that it is our duty to
be industrious, that our work should be performed with exactness
and thoroughness, and that such labor is honorable. . . .
"Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with inter-
est upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass
unnoticed the teaching of His early years. . . . He lived to
please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of
life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the crafts-
men who toil for their daily bread. He was doing God's service
just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when
working miracles for the multitude."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp.
72-74.
In what ways have I been affected by the work of God in Christ?
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 71-74.
49
A Christian View of Work
7
Monday
August 9
Part 2
A DIVINE
ORDINANCE
"The Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of
Eden to dress it and to keep it" (Gen. 2:15).
Paradise was not a place where our first parents could spend
their time in leisure and meditation only. It required work—con-
stant mental and physical labor. This divine ordinance of work
would forever remain an essential part of man's life and calling, a
necessary ingredient for his growth and development. Work is a
gift from God to man. As the image of God, humans are made in
the image of the original Worker. Working men and women share
in the nature of God.
What are some of the purposes served by work? Eccl. 5:12. Com-
pare with Ps. 128:2; Prov. 19:15; Eccl. 10:18.
Though work is necessary to satisfy our physical and mate-
rial needs—such as food and shelter—the Bible asserts that work
is essential to our happiness, understanding, and spiritual fulfill-
ment. Without work, we cannot be what God wants us to be. Our
whole personhood suffers.
"God appointed labor as a blessing to man, to occupy his mind,
to strengthen his body, and to develop his faculties. . . . Our
Creator, who understands what is for man's happiness, appointed
Adam his work. The true joy of life is found only by the working
men and
women."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 50.
In what attitude is work to be done? Col. 3:22-24.
Only that work which is done to the glory of God will, in the
end, prosper and bear fruit. Not the quantity of work—nor how it
is evaluated by man—will determine its ultimate value, but
whether the work was done to the honor of God.
If work really is as essential to human life and to the development
of human personhood as the Bible says it is, what can Christians do
to extol its virtues?
"The Lord knew what was for man's happiness when He
gave him work to do. The sentence that man must toil for his
bread, and the promise of future happiness and glory, came from
the same throne. Both are
blessings."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp.
529, 530.
Further Study:
Child Guidance,
pp. 345-349.
50
A Christian View of Work
7
Tuesday
August 10
Part 3
THE EFFECT
OF SIN
"Unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice
of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee,
saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in
sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life" (Gen. 3:17).
As soon as our first parents had sinned, work took on a whole
new form and significance. First, work became a hardship, a
burden, partly because of man's weakened mental and physical
strength, partly also because of the resistance offered by nature
itself. Man lost his dominion. (See Gen. 1:26-28.) Second, work
became self-directed and a goal in itself. It even began to control
man, as the presence of many "workaholics" clearly indicates.
Third, work—from a means to glorify God—turned into a
means for self-aggrandizement and an instrument of human greed
and sin. Fourth, for the first time, work became associated with
failure, fear, and frustration.
How deeply has sin affected human work? Eccl. 2:22, 23; Isa.
44:13-17.
Every aspect of our work has been affected by sin, even the
most beautiful work of art, the deepest thought, the holiest activ-
ity. Only God is perfect. (See Ps. 18:30, 31.)
What redeeming effect may work have in the God-fearing family
and thus on the community, nation, and race? Prov. 22:29; 31:10-
18.
Though the original form of work in Eden has changed as a
result of sin, work itself was not a part of the curse. It rather of-
fered man relief from the effects of the curse. Neither was work,
even in its harsh form, a punishment. It rather turned into a bless-
ing. "The changed condition of the earth through the curse of
sin has brought a change in the conditions of labor; yet though
now attended with anxiety, weariness, and pain, it is still a source
of happiness and development. And it is a safeguard against temp-
tation. Its discipline places a check on self-indulgence, and pro-
motes industry, purity, and firmness. Thus it becomes a part of
God's great plan for our recovery from the
Fall."—Education,
p. 214.
"The life of toil and care which was henceforth to be man's
lot was appointed in love. . . . It was a part of God's great plan
for man's recovery from the ruin and degradation of
sin."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
p. 60.
How is my work related to my salvation?
Further
Study: Education,
pp. 214-217.
51
A Christian View of Work
7
Wednesday
August 11
Part 4
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to
)011SIBILITY the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as
ND REWARD
unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as manpleasers; but as the ser-
vants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." (Eph.
6:5, 6).
In a number of significant passages, the New Testament
deals with the relationships between workers (employees) and
masters (employers). These instructions to household members
(Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:22; 4:1; 1 Tim. 6:1, 2; Titus 2:9, 10; and
1 Peter 2:18, 19) emphasize that Christians are characterized by a
very particular attitude toward work, based on their relationship
to Christ. Thus, Christian employees do their assigned work
"as unto Christ." And Christian employers treat their employees
justly and fairly, knowing that they have a Master in heaven.
What does the Bible teach about the responsibility of the worker
(employee)? Col. 3:22-24; Titus 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 2:18-21.
Although these passages speak about "slaves" and "servants"
(douloi),
one may see some parallels with "workers" or "em-
ployees" today. The Christian, by his work, serves not only his
employer, but also Christ. Therefore a Christian employee will
work conscientiously and honestly, because he is responsible
first to Christ. Such labor is in fact an adornment of God our Sav-
iour (Titus 2:9, 10) and preserves the name of God and the truth
from blasphemy (1 Tim. 6:1). Even if employers are harsh, they
still have to be treated with "godly respect" (1 Peter 2:18).
Christ's own suffering at the hand of man is held up as a model for
Christian workers to follow. (See
1
Peter 2:21-24.)
How should employers treat their employees? Col. 4:1; Eph. 6:9.
In dealing with their subordinates, Christian employers should
realize that they are representing Christ to their workers. "How
would Christ have acted?" is a question Christian employers
must constantly ask themselves. The emphasis, as with the em-
ployee, is not upon their rights, but upon their duties—pay just
wages, treat people fairly, don't take advantage of them. (See
James 5:4.)
Scripture does not give us any detailed guidelines concerning the
often complicated and perplexing labor relations in our modern in-
dustrial society. How, then, do these counsels of Scripture apply to
the problem of work in the modern world?
Further Study:
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 511-514.
52
A
Christian View of Work
7
Thursday
August 12
Part 5
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not ac-
WORK AND
cording to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,
VOCATION
which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Tim.
1:9).
In the New Testament the word "vocation" (Latin:
vocatio;
Greek:
klesis
"calling"; see Eph. 4:1, NIV) does not refer to a
profession, a job, or an occupation, but to God's call to repen-
tance and faith and to a life of fellowship and service in the
church. The Scriptures do emphasize, however, that this call-
ing must be reflected in our daily work. Our profession or occupa-
tion becomes thereby an instrument and an expression of our call-
ing to worship God, to love our neighbor, and to advance the
work of God in all the world. Every believer who takes his calling
seriously becomes thereby a co-worker with God, whatever his
earthly occupation may be—a teacher, a carpenter, a secretary, a
farmer, a minister, or a homemaker.
What is the calling of every believer? 2 Cor. 5:14-20; Matt. 28:
19, 20.
"The Saviour's commission to the disciples included all the
believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is
a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends
alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspira-
tion has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the
life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow-
men. For this work the church was established, and all who
take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be
co-workers with Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 822.
In what way has Christ prepared every believer to be a co-worker
of His? Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11.
Each believer, the apostle Paul assures us, has received a spe-
cial gift—or gifts—of the Spirit. (See also Eph. 4:7-12.) Through
these gifts, whether one works as a bricklayer, a schoolteacher, a
lawyer, or a nurse, that the mission of God is accomplished and
the church is built. As children of God, our first calling is that of a
missionary. Our occupation is secondary, though not un-
important; for through our calling it becomes a means in the ser-
vice of God to establish His kingdom.
In what ways can I serve Christ best in my daily work and occu-
pation?
Further Study:
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 472-474.
53
A
Christian View of Work
7
Friday
August 13
Part
6
"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh
WORK, day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any
WORSHIP, work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy
AUD REST maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy
gates"
(Ex. 20:9,
10).
It is of the utmost importance to realize that the divine ordi-
nance of work appears in the Decalogue within the framework of
keeping the Sabbath holy. The meaning is clear: (1) Though
work is essential for the growth and development of human
personhood, it is not the whole of it. In fact, it is not even man's
most important activity on earth. Worship is! And the Sabbath
reminds us that all our work must find its basis and its goal in
glorifying God. (2) By keeping the Sabbath holy, man is in fact
saying to God: "By myself I can do nothing. The work I have
accomplished this week is not my own achievement; it is the re-
sult of Thy power and grace working in me. I am only a stew-
ard. My work was not done for my own glory, but as an act of
worship to Thee."
From the following texts, what would you conclude is the rela-
tionship between work and worship? Col. 3:17; 1 Cor. 10:31.
To the Christian, work and worship are not opposites—the
one centering in man and his daily needs, the other in God and His
sovereignty. Rather, every activity, every thought, every deed
must be done in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the
glory of God our Maker. We were made for His glory (Isa. 43:7),
and all our work, done to the glory of God, becomes thereby an
act of worship.
What example has God given us concerning rest? Gen. 2:2, 3.
Scripture abhors idleness. The hours of daylight were the
hours of work for everyone. Poverty, hunger, evil thoughts and
deeds, even sickness, were attributed to lack of work and
idleness. Yet this "work ethic" was also clearly balanced by the
social and religious institution of rest. Every seventh day was a
day of rest. And besides the Sabbath, there were many holidays—
religious and social festivals—spread through the year. (See Ex.
23:14-17; 34:18-23; Numbers 28 and 29.) The Bible teaches us
thereby that our life should be characterized by a rhythm of work
and rest. And, like work, so also should our rest be to the glory of
God and a foretaste of that eternal rest which the Lord has prom-
ised. (See Heb. 4:4-10.)
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 359-363.
54
August 15-21
Adult Lesson
God Loves T
Cities
"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray
to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare"
(Jer. 29:7, RSV).
The world in which we live and work today is an urban world.
Some 60 percent of the world population—or 2640 million people—live
in cities. With the end near, they must hear an urgent call to repentance
and salvation.
How should we as Christians live and work in this urban world of
ours? Many believers are of the opinion that the evil of the cities has
reached such proportions that Christians should not live there. Others
are of the opinion that the cities
need
the presence of true Adventist
believers in order to reach these hundreds of millions of people with the
gospel of Jesus Christ and to call them to repentance and conversion.
Both views are genuinely biblical and rooted in the equivocal attitude
of Scripture toward the world in general, and toward the cities in par-
ticular. Cities are clearly seen in Scripture as symbols of evil and of
man's revolt against God. They are centers of human arrogance,
pride, and immorality—for example, Sodom and Babylon. On the other
hand, the Bible also speaks of cities as symbols of God's presence and
peace, of refuge and salvation. Over against Babylon, a representation
of all that is evil, stands Jerusalem, the city of peace and the symbol of
God's church and salvation. What the church needs today is that same
open attitude toward the cities in order to win them to Christ. This
attitude finds its highest expression in Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem.
He loved the people of the city, as He loves the people of all the cities of
the world. But He was pained by its evil and by the people's unwilling-
ness to hear His word and to receive Him. On the one hand, therefore,
we should shun the wickedness of the cities and flee from their evil in-
fluence. But on the other hand, the love of Christ compels us to associ-
ate with the cities in order to reach people with the gospel. For "in
every city, filled though it may be with violence and crime, there are
many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of
Je-
sus."—Prophets and Kings,
p. 277.
55
God Loves the Cities
8
Sunday
August 15
Part 1
"And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose
OFTEN
top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be
CENTERS
scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth" (Gen. 11:4).
OF EVIL
The first city mentioned in Scripture is Enoch, built by
brother-murderer Cain (Gen. 4:17). It stands as a symbol of hu-
man rebellion against God and of man's attempt to construct his
own world in defiance of the will and purpose of God for him.
The development of cities after the Flood confirms this view.
First there was Babylon, clearly founded on human pride and
arrogance, and in direct defiance of God's will. No wonder that
throughout Scripture, Babylon stands as the symbol of confusion,
pride, and revolt against God. Next comes Sodom, so wicked that
there were not even 10 righteous people for whose sake God
could have spared it. (See Genesis 18 and 19.) Though Sodom—
along with Gomorrah—was totally annihilated, its name lives on
today not only as a general synonym for depravity and perversity
but also in a technical term for certain sexual aberrations.
What sins permeated the cities in Bible days? Jer. 1:15, 16;
32:26-29, 34, 35; Eze.
7:23;
9:9; Micah 3:9, 10.
The word "city" appears in Scripture some 1300 times. In
addition to these general references to the city, there are hun-
dreds of references to specific cities. Best known among these are
the warnings of the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah, urg-
ing the cities—including Jerusalem—to change their evil ways or
else expect total destruction. The prophetic utterances against
the city in Scripture find their climax in the description of God's
judgment over Babylon, the most wicked city of all, representing
all human pride, greed, immorality, blasphemy, and evil, wher-
ever it is found. (See Rev. 14:8; chapters 17 and 18.)
What counsel to Lot can
be
applied to life today? Gen. 19:12-14.
" 'Out of the cities, out of the cities!' . . . This is the mes-
sage the Lord has been giving me. . . . We are not to establish
ourselves in the wicked cities, where the enemy is served in every
way, and where God is so often forgotten."—Life
Sketches,
pp.
409,410.
Are evil and sinfulness limited to the cities of the world? Is it the
place, or is it primarily the evil we have to shun and come away
from? What would be a reason for believers to stay in these wicked
cities?
Further
Study: Country
Living,
pp. 30-32.
56
God Loves the Cities
8
Monday
August 16
Part 2
"Command
the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites
SYMBOLS OF
of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall
REDEMPTION
give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them."
"And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there
shall be six cities of refuge" (Num. 35:2, 6).
The Lord Himself told Moses to prepare 48 cities for the Le-
vites to dwell in (Num. 35:1-8). Among these there were six cities
of refuge where persons guilty or accused of manslaughter might
flee and be safe until they could get a fair hearing. (See Num.
35:9-15; Deut. 4:41-45; Joshua 20.) These cities were for the
Israelites and for foreigners. They were so located, upon the
command of God, that nobody needed to travel more than 30
miles in order to reach a city of refuge.
Cities of refuge are not symbols of evil but rather centers of
God's mercy and justice. They were not founded upon human
arrogance and pride but upon the command of the Lord, who de-
signed that His special people, the Levites, should have these
cities in which to live.
What positive aspects of the city are extolled by these scriptures?
Ps. 107:4-8; 122:3-7; Eze. 48:35.
The Bible is just as positive about the city as it is negative. On
the one hand, cities are described as symbols of evil; but on the
other hand, the place where God dwelt was a city, and it was in
cities that people were to find refuge and redemption, safety, and
salvation. Over against Babylon, the mother of all wickedness
and immorality, stands Jerusalem, the city of peace, symbol of
God's mercy and righteousness. It is interesting that salvation in
Scripture has place for a city—a huge city at that—namely, the
New Jerusalem, which, adorned as a bride, will become the cen-
ter of the new earth. It is, of course, God's perfect city. It will be
the center of the new earth where God dwells to receive the glory
and honor of the nations. (See Rev. 21:24-26.) The beauty of
Eden will be restored also, in the kingdom eternal.
In what ways do our cities today reflect both negative and positive
aspects? Therefore, what should be our attitude toward these cities?
Although they intensify the problems of humanity, cities are
centers of creativity and culture. In the ferment of the cities mod-
ern man developed a sense of need for freedom and equality, and
found new impulses for growth and development. In the cities we
especially find the roots of religious liberty, social justice, and de-
mocracy.
Further Study:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 250-254.
57
God Loves the Cities
8
Tuesday
August 17
Part 3
"The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this gen-
IBJECTS OF
eration and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jo-
GOD'S LOVE
nah, and now one greater than Jonah is here" (Luke 11:32, MV).
The city of Nineveh was doomed (Nahum 3:5-7). And yet,
like every other city on earth today, it was also the object of
God's loving patience. The evidence of God's concern for
Nineveh can be seen in the mission of Jonah, who thereby be-
came a symbol of God's continuous concern for the cities on
earth.
What evils did Nahum say were in Nineveh, and what was God's
message to them through Jonah? Nahum 3:1, 4; Jonah 3:1-4.
Nineveh was "an exceeding great city of three days' journey"
(Jonah 3:3), and very old. It was a world metropolis, and ulti-
mately capital of a powerful empire. Many considered it the most
beautiful city on earth, famous for its parks and public buildings.
Its wealth staggers our imagination, and its military strength made
it look impregnable. But Nineveh's wealth invited divine judg-
ment; for they had been gained by oppression, war, and plunder.
The entire political and economic life of the city was based on
taking from weaker nations and on slave labor. And besides,
Nineveh was the mistress of witchcraft and a capital of vice. Her
artistic achievements were fouled by obscenities, her rich culture
by idols, and her beauty by violence. The prophet Nahum calls
her a city of blood. In this situation, only the clearest prophetic
message which revealed in an unmistakable manner the nature of
their sin, the time in which they lived, and the judgment of God
would shake people and lead them to repentance.
What was Nineveh's response to Jonah's preaching? Jonah 3:
5-10.
What particular lessons for our modern urban mission can we
learn from Jonah's mission to Nineveh?
Both the fact that Nineveh repented and the manner of repen-
tance offer significant lessons. The first tells us that God is con-
cerned about the cities, that He wants to see them saved. The
second tells us that God accomplishes His work through human
instruments whom He sends into the cities as witnesses of His
grace and messengers of His judgment. And, as in the days of
Jonah, the cities ought to be our first concern; for they are the
centers of modern life and culture. That's where the people are
whom God wants to save!
Further
Study:Prophets
and Kings,
pp. 265-278.
58
God Loves the Cities
8
Wednesday
August 18
Part 4
"Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when
CENTERS OF
they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the
MISSION
Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great
number believed, and turned unto the Lord" (Acts 11:20, 21).
Known as "Antioch the beautiful," this center of commerce,
art, and culture, capital of Syria, and third city in the Roman Em-
pire, was a meeting point for many nationalities and ethnic
groups. It was also a center of many religious cults in the ancient
world and at the same time was full of corruption and immorality.
How did the church in Antioch begin, grow, and develop as a
center of missionary outreach? Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3.
Like most of the churches of the first century, the one in Anti-
och was founded by laymen. It was a "mixed church," consisting
of different nationalities and races, Jews and non-Jews, lower-
class and high-class people. The church was a reflection of the
diversity and pluralism of this cosmopolitan city. This, really,
became the basis for another important aspect of this big-city
church; it became the center of missionary outreach into all the
world. Here the apostle Paul received his training and preparation
for mission service. Finally, church growth in the city of Anti-
och centered in "preaching the Lord Jesus" (Acts 11:20).
What lessons can we learn from the methods of church growth in
the city of Antioch? (Reexamine Acts 11:22-30; 13:1-3.)
First, the work not only centered in
preaching
the Lord Je-
sus; the believers also
lived
Jesus Christ. He was the Center of
their whole life, thought, actions, and conversation. No wonder
that it was in Antioch where the followers of Christ were first
called Christians. People hearing and seeing them saw Christ.
Second, the church continued as a
lay movement.
The role of
apostles and pastors such as Barnabas and Paul was to assist the
members in their role as ministers of Jesus Christ in the city (Eph.
4:11,12). Third, ministry was carried out as
teamwork,
with
prophets, pastors, teachers, administrators, relief workers, and
evangelists working together. Fourth, the believers lived in the
city where people could hear and observe them in their daily life
and vocation. Even leaders such as Barnabas and Paul joined the
believers and lived with them in the city. Fifth, the church was
liberal in giving, with a deep concern for people other than their
own. Sixth, it was a missionary church, a home base and a train-
ing school for missionaries. Finally, all ministry was rooted in
the work of the Holy Spirit.
Further Study:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 159-165.
59
God Loves the Cities
8
Thursday
August 19
Part 5
"Seek
the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and
WORK IR
pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your
THE CITIES
welfare" (Jer. 29:7, RSV).
The cities of this earth are not our permanent home. We are
looking forward to living in that great city "whose builder and
maker is God" (Heb. 11:10), and therefore we are strangers and
sojourners in our own cities. Yet, as long as we shall live on this
earth, the Lord calls us to be His special people, sent to the cities
to bear witness of His glorious name. To do so we must go into
the cities and mingle with the people in their daily life and exis-
tence as Christ did, and as the example of the believers in Antioch
clearly teaches.
"In every large city there should have been a strong force of
workers laboring earnestly to warn the people. Had this been un-
dertaken in humility and faith, Christ would have gone before the
humble workers, and the salvation of God would have been re-
vealed."—Medical Ministry,
p. 302.
"In every city there should be a city mission, that would be a
training school for workers. Many of our brethren must stand
condemned in the sight of God because they have not done the
very work that God would have them
do."—Medical Ministry,
p.
303.
What methods of labor should Christians use in the cities today?
Our first mission is to pray for the welfare of the city (Jer. 29:7),
much as Abraham prayed for the wicked city of Sodom (Gen.
18:22-33)—prayers of intercession, prayers for peace, prayers
that God may take away the evil forces operating in the cities,
prayers for protection, prayers that God may open doors and re-
move obstacles that obstruct His work of mission. Second, since
the two greatest diseases of the modern city are loneliness and
meaninglessness (confusion), our healing ministry should consist
of establishing communions of faith where the lonely can find fel-
lowship and the bewildered can find peace and a new meaning in
life. Third, modern cities are marked by conflict—conflict be-
tween employers and employees, rich and poor, different ethnic
groups, young and older generations. In these conflicts Christians
should act as agents of reconciliation (1) by being a model of rec-
onciliation themselves, where high and low, black and white, em-
ployers and employees, live, work and worship together; (2) by
acting as intermediaries between conflicting groups in the cities.
Our fourth mission is to uphold the righteousness of God as the
basis of all peace. (See Isa. 32:16-18.)
Further Study:
Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 97-120.
60
God Loves the Cities
8
Friday
August 20
Part 6
"Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ
OPPORTUNITY
unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those
AMID DANGER
things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he
did. . . . And there was great joy in that city" (Acts 8:5-8).
The early Christian church was a city movement. It was the
cities of the ancient world which accepted Christianity first, not
the country. The seven churches in Asia, which became sym-
bols of the church throughout the ages, were all city churches.
(See Revelation 2 and 3.) The Reformation, likewise, was a city
movement; and so was the developed Millerite movement. In
many countries of the world Adventism also (first) developed in
the cities (small by comparison with present cities) where people
were concerned with social and religious freedom, and where
they were more open to change than those in the rural areas. It is
precisely the presence of this openness to change, this personal
freedom and differentiation of life—besides the intense need for
fellowship, meaning, and reconciliation—that offer the church so
many wide open doors for an effective ministry within the cities
today. (See 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12.)
What are some of the dangers of living in the cities? Gen. 11:4-6;
Dan. 4:28-30; Rev. 18:1-8.
Of all the dangers, from secularism, materialism, immorality,
restlessness, pollution, criminality, conflicts, violence, and ma-
nipulation, perhaps the greatest is the spirit of arrogance and
pride. This spirit lies at the foundation of human city building.
(See Gen. 4:17; 11:4). In the end this will be the cause of their
ruin. For this reason Ellen White warned believers to get out of
the cities and not to establish themselves in them. (See
Life
Sketches,
pp. 409, 410.)
How should the church relate to the challenge of giving the gospel
to the millions who live in the cities? Acts 8:40; 13:44.
Jesus included the cities and the countryside around them when
He preached the message of the kingdom of God. And so did the
apostles. More than any other, the apostle Paul has set an exam-
ple for all modern missions to the cities of this world—preaching
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, bringing a message of recon-
ciliation, dialoging with people of other faiths and ideologies, call-
ing for conversion, establishing local churches, while living and
identifying himself with the people whom he tried to reach. Cities
are a significant part of the gospel target. (See Acts 1:8.)
Further Study:
Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 121-124.
61
9
August 22-28
Adult Lesson
A
Ptierielut
OU &ENO G
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be
joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mys-
tery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church" (Eph. 5:31, 32).
Marriage is universal. Never has a society, however advanced or
primitive, been discovered that did not know marriage in one form or
another. Apparently, marriage is an essential part of our humanity; it
seems basic to the development of our personhood and to the formation
and continuation of human life and society. That explains why mar-
riage, in spite of all the attacks against this institution, has continued
and will continue.
Marriage is a powerful symbol of the relationship of God to His peo-
ple and of Christ to His church. This meaning of marriage elevates all
other meanings, needs, and factors of marriage. This meaning of mar-
riage as a model of God's love to the world, and as a representation of
His relationship to His people, does not make the other meanings and
factors superfluous. Neither does it absorb them. It rather gives them a
new perspective, which makes Christian marriage so special.
It is important to stress here that this meaning of marriage as a repre-
sentation of God's love to man is not just an addition to the economic,
social and psychological reasons for marriage. It is the very core of mar-
riage. If that meaning is lost, marriage is threatened with collapse.
This may be reflected in the reluctance of youth to wait for the stabi-
lizing elements of marriage before tasting of its intimate joys. It is cer-
tainly reflected in the spreading perversions and abuses of marriage it-
self. The other factors such as economic cooperation and depen-
dence, social status, companionship, and self-fulfillment may still give it
some basis of existence and continuity. But it is at best a rather shaky
existence, as the collapse of marriage in modern society clearly indi-
cates.
The sanctity and redeeming value of Christian marriage provide
through it a happiness and a fulfillment which other marriages do not
have. It is the purpose of this week's lesson to evaluate both the special
qualities of marriage and the obligations of the Christian marriage.
62
A
Christian View of Marriage
9
Sunday
August 22
Part 1
"From the beginning of the creation God made them male and
A DIVINE
female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and
INSTITUTION
cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are
no more twain, but one flesh" (Mark 10:6-8).
Marriage goes back to the very beginning of time, even before
Adam and Eve fell into sin. It was then sanctified and sealed by
God as an institution which would last until its purpose and end
would have been fulfilled.
For what reasons was marriage instituted by God? Gen. 2:18-24;
1:26-28; 1 Cor. 7:2-5.
A comparison of the parallel passages of Genesis 1 and 2 indi-
cates that the institution of marriage follows immediately after
God's command to the man not to eat of the tree of knowledge of
good and evil. Did God intend that Adam and Eve would help to
keep each other loyal to Him and convinced of His love? One
overriding aim of marriage is for partners to keep and to build
each other in the faith, and to deepen their love experience with
God. After man fell into sin, these reasons for marriage became
even more urgent than before the Fall.
"The angels had cautioned Eve to beware of separating
herself from her husband while occupied in their daily labor in the
garden; with him she would be in less danger from temptation
than if she were
alone."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 53.
Fellowship and companionship were other divine reasons for
the institution of marriage. Man was made a social being in God's
image. Marriage is the highest fulfillment of the fellowship, and a
model of all other human relations and fellowships. It is this fel-
lowship, this communion, which is spoken of as becoming "one
flesh." It is a oneness of heart, mind, soul, and body—a total
union.
This togetherness, in which husband and wife complement
each other and enrich each other, is also necessary for the practi-
cal functions of marriage. God commissioned them to have do-
minion over the earth and to keep and dress the garden. (See Gen.
1:26-28; 2:15.) Strong marriages are still built around this
cooperation between husbands and wives, which is all too often
forgotten.
Finally, marriage was given as the foundation of sexual rela-
tionships together with the procreation, care, and education of
children.
What are some of the ingredients that make marriages work as
they were intended by God? Eph. 5:21-33; Col. 3:18, 19.
Further Study:
The Adventist Home,
pp. 114-120.
63
A
Christian View of Marriage
9
Monday
August 23
Part 2
"I
say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them
A SHADOW
if they abide even as I" (1 Cor. 7:8).
OF THINGS
TO COME?
Single persons are often made to feel inferior, guilty, or even
abnormal. It is important to stress here that even though marriage
was instituted by God—and is the one fellowship that serves as an
illustration of the relation between Christ and the church—it is by
no means the only way in which a person can find fulfillment in
life.
What are some of the reasons the Bible gives for persons to re-
main unmarried? 1 Cor. 7:25, 26, 29-35; Matt. 19:10-12.
Three reasons are given: a crisis situation, either personal or
involving a larger group of people; the needs of the church in its
missionary outreach into all the world; and the realization that the
time of the end has come. Of course the apostle Paul is not urging
people to remain unmarried, even though he wished that people
would follow his example, because to him the single state seemed
best for the work he had been called to do. But he exhorts the
readers of his letter to consider his counsels carefully and then to
select the course which seems best for their life, in their situation.
Why will there be no marriage on the new earth? Matt. 22:30;
Mark 12:25.
The question has baffled many believers. They point out
that marriage and the Sabbath were both instituted by God and
given to man before they fell into sin. We do know that on the new
earth people will keep the Sabbath to rest from their labor and to
worship God (Isa. 66:22, 23). Then why does not marriage con-
tinue? It is the author's view that marriage was given as a tempo-
rary institution, much like the ritual of the earthly sanctuary.
Both marriage and the earthly sanctuary are copies of a heavenly
reality, an image of a divine model. But they are also shadows of
realities to come. When the type meets its antitype, the shadow
its real substance, they cease to exist. They are no longer
needed. Could this be one reason why Jesus never married? We
are not ever told in Scripture. But in Him the shadow and the real
met. He was the perfect image of God. (See 2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15;
Heb. 1:3.) In His life the relationship with God and the partner-
ship and solidarity with His fellow human beings had been
fulfilled.
How can we make preparations for that life on the new earth
now, as married believers and as unmarried?
64
A
Christian View of Marriage
9
Tuesday
August 24
Part 3
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands;
AN
that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be
INSTRUMENT won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste
OF SALVATION conversation coupled with fear" (1 Peter 3:1, 2).
After the Fall marriage took on the added function of being a
vehicle of salvation, an instrument of redemption. Says Paul:
"The unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife, and
the unbelieving wife is consecrated through her husband" (1 Cor.
7:14, RSV).
In what ways can marriage become an instrument of salvation to
unbelievers? 1 Peter 3:1-7; Eph. 5:21-32; Titus 2:4, 5.
"From every Christian home a holy light should shine forth.
Love should be revealed in action. It should flow out in all home
intercourse, showing itself in thoughtful kindness, in gentle, un-
selfish
courtesy."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 144.
"The best test of the Christianity of a home is the type of
character begotten by its influence. Actions speak louder than the
most positive profession of
godliness."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
p. 579.
Following are three passages that counsel wives to be subject to
their husbands. What is the meaning of them? Col. 3:18; 1 Peter
3:1, 5; Eph. 5:22.
Three important aspects of this notion of submission should
be noted: (1) Submission in the marriage relationship is a require-
ment that applies to
both
partners. The apostle Paul says this in
Ephesians 5:21, which constitutes the basis of his further counsel
to husbands and wives: "Submitting yourselves
one to another
in
the fear of God." (2) Submission on the part of both the husband
and the wife is a
voluntary act,
born out of love and respect for
the other. It cannot, and it should not, be required by law or as an
institution. (3) Every act of submission to the spouse is done "out
of reverence for Christ," "in the fear of God," "as it is fit in the
Lord."
"It was not the design of God that the husband should have
control, as head of the house, when he himself does not submit to
Christ. He must be under the rule of Christ that he may represent
the relation of Christ to the church. If he is a coarse, rough, bois-
terous, egotistical, harsh, and overbearing man, let him never ut-
ter the word that the husband is the head of the wife, and that she
must submit to
him."—The Adventist Home,
p. 117.
Further Study:
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 360-362.
65
A Christian View of Marriage
9
Wednesday
August 25
Part 4
"God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and
MARRIAGE
multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it" (Gen. 1:28).
AND FAMILY
Though clearly distinct from each other, marriage and family
are closely linked together. One of the basic reasons for marriage
is the procreation of children. Marriage constitutes thereby the
basis of the family, where children are reared, habits are ac-
quired, personalities are developed, love is learned, and children
grow up to become full-fledged members of their society. Like
marriage, the family is essential to human life, to the development
of our personhood, and to the existence and continuity of human
society.
What function of marriage or the family did Jesus reaffirm in
each of the following passages? John 2:1-11; Mark 7:10-13; Luke
11:11-13.
Jesus put the weight of His whole authority behind the institu-
tion of marriage and the family. He began His public ministry at a
wedding feast and presented His teachings of the kingdom of God
often in terms of human family relations. Jesus nowhere consid-
ered one form of family life superior even preferable to another;
neither do the prophets, the apostles, or the other writers of
Scripture. Family forms are intimately related to the social and
economic conditions and the cultural traditions in which people
find themselves. In Israel, a tribal, agrarian society, the basic
family form was the "father's house," which consisted of a hus-
band and his wife, their sons families, and their grandchildren.
Included in such a family were also the servants, who often called
their masters "father." Besides this basic family unit there were
other forms of family groupings, which included a whole village
or a group of villages, a quarter of a city, or a whole territory.
The term for family was even used loosely for all of Israel,
much as we speak of the church as the family of God.
Are the scriptural forms of family life and organization required
of people of other cultures and generations? If not, should we con-
sider any form of family life and organization as the pattern for
Christians in the whole world?
Two examples may bear upon the above: (1) the
levirate mar-
riage,
the arrangement that a man marry his deceased brother's
wife to raise up offspring for him (Deut. 25:5-10; Gen. 38:6-11),
and (2) the
mohar,
a requirement that a man give a marriage
present to the father of the bride (Gen. 34:12; Ex. 22:16; 1 Sam.
18:25).
Further Study:
The Adventist Home,
pp. 162-166.
66
A
Christian View of Marriage
9
Thursday
August 26
Part 5
What did Jesus teach about the indissolubility of the marriage
A LIFELONG
relationship?
UNION
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put
asunder. . . . And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away
his wife and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And
if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another,
she committeth adultery" (Mark 10:9-12).
Jesus repudiated the Old Testament practice of putting away
one's wife. And when the Pharisees defended that right on the
part of the man—for the woman did not have such a right!—with
the argument that Moses himself had given them the law regard-
ing divorce (see Deut. 24:1-4), Jesus answered: "For your hard-
ness of heart he wrote you this commandment" (Mark 10:5,
RSV). But from the beginning marriage was intended for keeps
(verses 6-9). It must be considered indissoluble until death sepa-
rates the spouses. (See Rom. 7:1-3.)
Does the Bible recognize exceptions to this rule? Matt. 5:31, 32;
19:3-9; Deut. 24:1-4; 1 Cor. 7:10-16, 39.
Scripture teaches the indissolubility of marriage for all believ-
ers. Jesus Himself did so. This message seemed so harsh that
His own disciples reacted to it with the words: "If such is the case
of a man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry" (Matt. 19:10,
RSV). Many disciples of Christ today are reacting the same way.
Or they simply ignore the words of Christ. In Matthew 5:32 and
19:9 it seems, however, as if Jesus Himself has given us an excep-
tion by which divorce among believers is allowed, though not rec-
ommended. Why that exception? And what does it mean?
The word Jesus used to describe the "exception" is
porneia,
which may be translated as fornication or unchastity. Though
fornication or unchastity
(porneia)
may include an adulterous re-
lationship, it refers beyond that to continuous acts of sexual aber-
ration and illicit sexual relationships, including homosexuality,
pederasty, prostitution, incest, and other forms of sexual immo-
rality. Some interpret Jesus' words in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9
therefore not as an exception to the indissolubility of marriage but
rather as an instruction to keep the marriage relationship pure.
But, when, because of unchastity, the purity of the marriage rela-
tionship has been polluted and defiled (see Heb. 13:4), it may not
be possible to continue the relationship.
Why did Jesus—and all the New Testament writers—insist on the
indissolubility of marriage?
Further Study:
The Adventist Home,
pp. 340-347.
67
A Christian View of Marriage
9
Friday
August 27
Part 6
A HEW
BEGIRRING
IN CHRIST
What counsel does Jesus offer us when the real situation in life
differs from the ideal?
"Then came Peter unto him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my
brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus
said unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until
seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:21, 22).
Marriages are held together by love. One of the greatest expres-
sions of this love is forgiveness, as Jesus' own example has
shown us. In Him we all have received the forgiveness of our sins.
And for that reason we should also forgive one another, be it ne-
glect, harshness, anger, or even adultery. But of course forgive-
ness does imply (on the part of the one to be forgiven) an attitude
of contrition, a recognition of fault (guilt), and the intention to
improve or make amends (to sin no more). When all of these are
absent, the partner stands also before God as an "unbeliever." If
such an "unbelieving" spouse wants to break up the marriage re-
lationship, the apostle Paul says, "Let it be so; in such a case the
brother or sister is not bound. For God has called us to peace"
(1 Cor. 7:15, RSV). But we should all the time remember Jesus'
words, "until seventy times seven," and those of the apostle
Paul: "Wife, how do you know whether you
will
save your hus-
band? Husband, how do you know whether you will save your
wife?"
(1
Cor. 7:16, RSV).
How do thee principles apply to believers who have been di-
vorced and remarried for other than biblical grounds and then seek
readmission to the church? 2 Cor. 2:5-11; Col. 3:12, 13.
The
love of Christ for the individual and the church knows no
bounds. As the Lord has forgiven us, so we must also forgive.
With regard to a different problem, Christ forgave the adulterous
woman and told her to sin no more. But there was no condemna-
tion for her! But the problem being considered here is more com-
plex and enduring. (See John 8:3-11.) The nature of love does
not change. At the same time, the love of Christ in the heart will
give to Christian marriage a unique strength and stability. The
church thus has an image and reputation to uphold. However, let
us keep in mind that adultery or divorce and remarriage for other
than biblical grounds, while grievous sins, are not in themselves
the unpardonable sin. Gossip or slander may cause cruel heart-
ache. But the undoubtedly better answer to all such problems
would lie in better preparation for marriage in the first place.
How could local churches help strengthen the marriage relation-
ships of the believers? How could they help those who have (had)
difficulties in their marriage to find healing?
68
August 29 to September 4
Adult Lesson
The Church and
Human Needs
"As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the
sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have re-
ceived, freely give" (Matt. 10:7, 8).
Our world is ill, terribly ill. The symptoms of this illness are all
about us. About 65 percent of the world population is undernourished.
Some 20,000 people are starving to death daily. Many millions of people
are so malnourished that they are threatened with irreparable brain
damage. Poverty is robbing people of their dignity as human beings.
Oppression is rampant in many forms. There is terrible fear and frus-
tration. Because of political stress, wars, and economic hardships many
millions of people have been forced to leave their own country to live as
aliens and refugees in foreign lands, often under the most deplorable
conditions. What does all this have to do with being sent into all the
world to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ? Everything! All mission is
participation in the work of Jesus Christ. We have no mission of our
own. We imitate and continue the mission of our Lord, who announced
the aim of His mission as preaching "good news to the poor" and pro-
claiming "release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to
set at liberty those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18, RSV). Moved by
compassion, Jesus set out to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, to com-
fort the bereaved, to give new dignity to the poor and the social out-
casts. And though many of these acts were done as an evidence that the
kingdom of God had come and the dominion of the devil had been
broken, they were also plain works of compassion.
Christ has sent His church into the world for exactly the same two
reasons: to preach the coming of the kingdom of God which is at hand,
and to do the works of compassion. These two are inextricably inter-
twined. Proclamation with all prophetic powers and the deepest under-
standing of truth means nothing without works of love and compassion.
(See 1 Cor. 13:1-3.) The reverse is true also, however. Works of com-
passion, assistance in human needs, must be accompanied by the clear
message of the kingdom of God. It is a false concept of mission to think
that works of compassion alone can bring about the restoration of the
kingdom of God. True mission always includes a call to repent, to
receive Christ as Lord and Saviour and to be joined to Him and to His
church.
But we
should heed the apostle Paul's words: "Speak the truth
in love."
69
The Church and Human Needs
10
Sunday
August 29
Part 1
COMPASSION
What was Jesus' attitude toward those who were in need?
"When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on
them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep
having no shepherd" (Matt. 9:36).
Our God is a compassionate God (Ex. 22:27; Ps. 116:5). When
we suffer, He suffers with us. This is most dramatically ex-
pressed in the incarnation: He became as one of us, to suffer with
us. And because He Himself has suffered, He is able to help those
who are suffering (Heb. 2:14-18), whether from sickness or op-
pression, from hunger or loneliness, from weakness or poverty.
Do we need to give any examples? Christ's whole life was charac-
terized by compassion from the moment He saved a bridegroom
from embarrassment for not having enough wine at the wedding
(John 2:1-11) to the moment that He prayed in Gethsemane, "Not
my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42).
Why is it important for the followers of Christ to be compassion-
ate? Matt. 25:31-46; 18:33; Ps. 112:5.
Jesus Himself has made compassion His standard of judgment.
Can there be anything more important in life? Note the words of
the apostle John: "By this we know love, that he laid down his life
for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But if
any one has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet
closes his heart against Him, how does God's love abide in him?
Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in
truth" (1 John 3:16-18, RSV).
What relationship is there between faith and compassionate ac-
tion that reflects the character of God? James 2:14-17; Luke 6:36.
There are two dangers the followers of Christ ought to avoid
with regard to the relationship between faith and works of com-
passion. The first is that one can exist without the other. As
faith in Jesus is dead without works of love, so are also works of
compassion meaningless without a faith in Jesus Christ. It is His
love which moves us (2 Cor. 5:14). The second danger to avoid
is to be selectively compassionate; that is, to do good to "our kind
of people only," be they of the same church, kinship, class, or
race. God's love knows no favorites! It embraces the whole world
without distinction.
Is it possible to cultivate compassion? Where does true compas-
sion have its origin?
Further
Study: Counsels
on Health,
pp. 31-35.
70
The Church and Human Needs
10
Monday
August 30
Part 2
POVERTY
What obligations do God's children have toward the poor?
"The poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore
I
command
thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to
thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land" (Deut. 15:11).
Concern for the poor is taught in the Scripture. The law of
Moses commanded it (Ex. 22:25-27; Deut. 15:7, 8); the prophets
have proclaimed it (Isa. 3:14, 15; Jer. 5:26-29; Eze. 16:49). Jesus
Christ has taught it and exemplified it in His life (Luke 4:18,
2 Cor. 8:9); and the early church practiced it (Acts 2:45; 4:32;
11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; Gal. 2:10). Failure to care for the poor
was one of the sins that led Israel into captivity. That same fail-
ure will also cause the ruin and condemnation of many at the end
of time (Matt. 25:31-46).
How does God regard the poor? James 2:1-6; Luke 1:51-53; 4:
18, 19.
Many have argued that riches by themselves are evil and that
poverty is a virtue. But that is not so. The Bible calls Abra-
ham's riches a blessing from the Lord (Gen. 24:35), and Paul
teaches that God furnishes us with everything to enjoy (1 Tim.
6:17).
And
poverty is a plague that was never wanted by God.
To that end God set up laws in Israel to relieve His people of
their poverty. And if people had obeyed God, there would have
been no poor in Israel (Deut. 15:4-6). Poverty is a result of sin.
Christ came to redeem us from sin's curse. No wonder that He
has chosen the poor of this world to preach the good news to
them.
If riches of themselves are not wrong, what is the problem? Luke
12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:10.
The dangers of riches are self-sufficiency, arrogance, and
pride. Riches often make us forget God, who is the Giver of all
wealth (Deut. 8:18), and we become callous toward those who are
poor. In fact, the Bible says that riches often make people
oppressors of the poor. But what we do to the least of God's crea-
tures, we are in fact doing unto God. The rich stand condemned
because they forgot God and did not recognize their dependence
upon Him. No expression of piety, no form of religious belief or
practice, can make up for neglecting the poor (Amos 5:11, 21-24;
Mark 12:38-40). To practice piety without compassion is to be a
hypocrite.
Further Study:
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp.530-536.
71
The Church and Human Needs
1
0 Tuesday
August31
Part 3
THE POOR AND
THE KINGDOM
What particular promise did Jesus offer the poor?
"He lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye
poor: for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20).
Many have interpreted these words of Christ in their spiritual
meaning only. And of course these words should be read in light
of Matthew 5:3, where Jesus says: "Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for their's is the kingdom of heaven." But Luke did not leave out
the words "in spirit" by accident or ignorance. He did mean "the
poor." This literal meaning is supported by the accompanying
woe: "Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your con-
solation" (verse 24). The blessing pronounced upon the poor
agrees also with Jesus' words in Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the
Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gos-
pel to the poor."
What is the condition upon which the poor may receive the bless-
ings of the gospel? Matt. 5:3.
It is not poverty
per se
that prepares a person for the kingdom
of God, but the recognition of one's own powerlessness and un-
worthiness. Material poverty may be a help in that respect, but it
is no guarantee of it. Conversely, a person may be blessed with
many goods and yet recognize his own need and dependence
upon God in everything. Zacchaeus was a very rich man, as
were many other tax collectors in Jesus' day. Yet in his need for
Christ and in his attitude toward his possessions, he showed in
fact the true meaning of being poor in spirit. The rich man in
Jesus' parable was not condemned because of his riches, but be-
cause he considered them his "good things" (Luke 16:25). Laza-
rus, the poor man, was not saved because he was poor, but be-
cause he felt his need of God and depended on Him for
everything. The rich may foolishly trust in their riches and
therefore fail to enter into the kingdom of God. (See Mark 10:23,
24; Luke 12:16-21.) But the poor can become so concerned about
what they should eat or drink or how they should find clothing
and shelter that they, too, forget God or betray a lack of faith in
Him. To them the apostle says to cast all cares and anxieties
upon God, "for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
In what way can the rich be poor and the poor be rich? 2 Cor.
8:9; 6:10; 1 Cor. 1:5; Eph. 1:7.
How are God's promises to us in the gospel related to our respon-
sibilities to the poor?
Further Study:
Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 511-521.
72
The Church and Human Needs
10
Wednesday
September 1
Part 4
What should be our attitude toward aliens and refugees?
ALIENS AND
REFUGEES
"He
doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and
loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye there-
fore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Deut.
10:18, 19).
God is concerned about the aliens and refugees in the land. Not
only do they share in the same needs as widows and orphans and
other economically handicapped people, including the Levites
(Deut. 12:12; 14:29), but foreigners are often socially powerless
and therefore need an extra measure of love. Aliens and refugees
are our neighbors in the very sense Jesus has given that term
when He taught us to love our neighbor (Luke 10:25-37).
God gave Israel specific laws and social institutions to protect
the foreigner from oppression and extortion, to give him at least a
minimum basis of existence and to make him feel at home in the
country in which he was living as an alien. Aliens, along with the
poor, were entitled to the "second" harvest (Lev. 19:10; 23:22)
and the triannual tithes (Deut. 14:28, 29). The alien also shared
in the produce of the sabbath year (Lev. 25:6). They were enti-
tled to the same protection, the same justice, and the same free-
doms as the Israelite. But of course they also were to obey the
same laws. And beyond all that, God told His people not to harm
the aliens and refugees among them; He said that "the stranger
who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you,
and you shall love him as yourself" (Lev. 19:34, RSV).
Why would God's people be able to understand better the plight
of the refugees and to help them than unbelievers? Ex. 23:9; Deut.
24:17, 18. (See Heb. 11:13.)
God's people themselves have been aliens and refugees in a for-
eign land. They know what it means to be without rights and
privileges, homeless and without support, ridiculed and op-
pressed. In fact, it belongs to the very essence of the church that
God's people live as strangers and sojourners in this world
(1 Peter 1:17; 2:11). For this reason hospitality is a hallmark of
God's people. We ought to welcome one another in the same way
as Christ has welcomed us (Rom. 15:7) and to show hospitality to
strangers, "for thereby some have entertained angels unawares"
(Heb. 13:2). Jesus said: "I was a stranger and you welcomed
me." "As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you
did it to me" (Matt. 25:35, 40, RSV).
Further Study:
The Adventist Home,
pp. 445-452.
73
The Church and Human Needs
10
Thursday
September 2
Part 5
"Is
not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wick-
OPPRESSION
edness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the opressed go free,
and that ye break every yoke?" (Isa. 58:6).
Scripture is full of warnings against oppression. And those who
do oppress others are the enemies of God. He sent His Son into
this world in particular "to set at liberty those who are op-
pressed" (Luke 4:18, RSV).
In what ways do people oppress others? Lev. 25:39; James 5:4;
Luke 18:1-5; Isa. 1:21-23.
Christians frequently restrict the scope of evil to a narrow class
of sins committed individually. However, sin rules in this world
also in the form of evil structures, unjust laws, and bad institu-
tions. Slavery is an example of such an institutionalized evil. And
so is the nineteenth century factory system where 10-year-old
children worked 12 to 16 hours a day. But, though we tend to rec-
ognize the "sins of our fathers," all too little are we aware of the
institutionalized evil in our own day. And much less are we in-
clined to do something about it. Today we see, for example,
oppression by powerful confederations, laws that give special
privileges to the rich, systems that encourage bribery, structures
that favor some classes or races of people over others, and mo-
nopolies held by a few. The Bible not only warns us against
individual sins, but also strongly condemns structural evil; and
God urges His people to have nothing to do with it.
What are some examples of structural evil the Bible warns
against? Amos 2:6; 5:10-15; Isa. 5:8; 10:1-4; Ps. 94:20-23.
It was probably by some legal technicality that the needy could
be sold "for a pair of shoes." The rich were able to take the
poor person's land or sell him into slavery. By unjustly and self-
ishly adding land to land and house to house and business to busi-
ness, a few people gained control of a whole society, thereby rob-
bing the majority of their social rights and economic freedoms.
And this was all legal! But fraud and oppression of the poor are as
sinful in God's eyes as sexual immorality or drunkenness. And if
the system of justice is evil, then where can people turn for real
justice? Social evil may be more subtle than personal evil, but it
harms more people and is extremely displeasing to God.
In Old Testament times God instituted certain laws to protect the
poor and the oppressed. What can Christians do today to relieve
people of social, economic, and structural oppression? (See Leviti-
cus 25.)
74
The Church and Human Needs
10
Friday
September 3
Part 6
"Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate
LONELINESS
and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: 0 bring thou
me out of my distress. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and
forgive all my sins" (Ps. 25:16-18).
Of all the diseases of our time—social, economic, and phys-
ical—loneliness is one of the greatest, if not the greatest. It is
largely a result of the collapse of the traditional family systems
and other primary groups, and the development of a mass society,
especially in the cities. It is also rooted in modern man's loss of
faith and the decline of religion. There can be no real fellowship
among people without a fellowship with God for whom we were
created.
What are some of the symptoms of this loneliness in modern
society? Observers of modern society point in particular to the
rapid increase of suicide, especially among the well-to-do, the
well-educated, and professional people; the rise of drug abuse and
alcoholism; the restlessness of modern man; the sharp increase in
mental illnesses, stress; violence and crime; and pleasure seek-
ing. Though poverty, hunger, unemployment, and oppression
have something to do with these characteristics of our age, their
real cause is loneliness.
What can the church do to alleviate this problem of loneliness?
James 1:27; 1 John 1:3, 7.
No other group in society is better prepared to help people in
their loneliness than are the followers of Christ, who in fellowship
with Him have also found fellowship with one another (Rom.
12:5). And is not this the essence of religion, that we love God
with all our heart and our might and our soul and our neighbor as
ourselves? No club, no social organization, no party association,
no society can accomplish what the church could do if it would
accept its mission of visiting the lonely in their affliction. Did not
Christ come into this world to reconcile those who had been es-
tranged from God and from one another? And did not Christ send
us into the world to unite men to God and to create a new commu-
nion, a new fellowship, in which we all, without distinction, are
each other's brother and sister?
What is the relationship between evangelism, church growth,
and fellowship? (See Eph. 4:15, 16.)
Church growth is intimately related to fellowship. A recent re-
port about church growth in North America expressed it this way:
"The people were loved in."
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 690-693.
75
September 5-11 1 1
Adult Lesson
©Ilivred
ets1R®
"Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things
which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt.
22:21).
From the very moment Christianity came into existence, it has
been confronted with the question: How should the followers of Christ
relate to the state and its various functions and to the civil authorities
who are in charge? Each generation of believers must come to grips
with this question in its own ways. And in each nation where the church
has been planted or where the gospel of the kingdom is being pro-
claimed, Christians must find their own forms of relating to the state and
to the civil authorities. The relationship between the church and the
state cannot—and should not!—take the same form everywhere. What
seemed an appropriate way of relating to the state at one time may no
longer be suitable—or even possible—at another. Though the varying
circumstances in the world may demand different forms of relating to
the state, these forms must be solidly based on sound biblical principles.
For our understanding of these biblical principles it is imperative
that we know of the circumstances in which the early Christians lived.
Christianity arose at a time when the state was at the same time a reli-
gious community. Although there was tolerance for other religions, def-
erence to the emperor was required on religious grounds. The rise of a
new religion such as Christianity was viewed as a direct threat against
the state. The early Christian church was a noninstitutional church
without property, power, or privileges—without schools, hospitals, or
elaborate organization. It was a lay movement. A relationship between
church and state as we know it now—namely, a relationship between
two different spheres of interest or power or organization—actually did
not exist. It was a relationship between the believers and the laws, insti-
tutions, customs, and authorities of the state in which they lived.
The early Christians' attitude toward country, customs, culture,
and civil authorities was strongly influenced by their belief that the form
of this world was passing and that soon Christ would return to establish
His own kingdom of righteousness.
76
The Christian and the State
1 1
Sunday
September
5
Part 1
SUBMISSION
What is to be the Christian's attitude toward civil government?
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no
power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whoso-
ever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God"
(Rom. 13:1, 2).
No society can exist without some type of government and
form of social control. For that reason every society has some
form of government for the good of its members. The more
complex these societies become, the more elaborate and perva-
sive also the system of government has to become. It seeks to
maintain order, to smooth relationships, to settle disputes be-
tween people, to guarantee the functioning of institutions neces-
sary for existence, to protect life, property, individual freedoms,
and to promote the general welfare of society as a whole. For
these reasons all people must obey civil authority and submit
themselves to its law, orders, and regulations. However, Chris-
tians go beyond that. Their attitude toward civil authority is not
merely based on human logic and expediency; they submit to
earthly rulers as unto the Lord. Revolt against government is re-
bellion against God, who has instituted it and ordained it for the
well-being of all. And rendering things unto Caesar that by divine
ordinance belong to Caesar is religious duty and an expression of
giving glory to God.
What are some of the functions of government the Bible mentions
specifically? Rom. 13:3, 7; 1 Peter 2:12-14.
Ideally, and in the divine plan for it, government exists for the
good of its citizens. It accomplishes that in at least two ways: (1)
by developing, encouraging, and stimulating organizations and in-
stitutions that really contribute to the well-being of all; (2) by re-
straining, suppressing, and even removing those orders and orga-
nizations that have an evil influence on society or create divisions
and disorder.
Should Christians acively participate in these two functions of
government? Give examples from Scripture to support your view.
Some believers are of the opinion that members of the church
should not be involved in government. They point to the danger
of becoming contaminated by corruption and of being held re-
sponsible for all actions. Others are of the opinion, however, that
by involvement in government, Christians can influence society
for good and contribute to the advance of the kingdom of God.
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 601-603.
77
The Christian and the State
11
Monday
September 6
Part 2
"Our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior,
DUAL the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20, RSV).
CITIZEUSHIP
Christians hold a dual citizenship—one in the kingdom of God,
and the other in the nation in which they reside. But what does
that mean? Some have seen in this dual citizenship an inherent
conflict. Since God's kingdom is not of this world, they say,
Christians can not actually live as citizens of both. (See John
18:36.) They must choose between one or the other. Many
other believers think, however, that the kingdom of God is not a
place or a country outside of this present world. It rather is a
sphere, an attitude, a life-style which permeates the whole life
and thought and gives citizenship here its special meaning.
They say the kingdom of God is within them. (See Luke 17:21.)
What do you think?
What are the meanings of the biblical term "kingdom of God"
Mark 1:14, 15; Luke 10:8-11; 18:15-17.
Contrary to most people's thinking in the time of Christ, the
kingdom Jesus proclaimed was not a territory with visible struc-
tures or institutions of power. Rather, the kingdom of God con-
sists of the lordship of Christ in our lives, which is realized in our
redemption and expressed in worship and in our obedience of His
law. In this sense the kingdom of God is a reality on earth. This
kingdom is not a new social order established apart from earthly
societies and governments. It rather works in and through these
earthly institutions. Christians, as citizens of the kingdom of God,
are called to live out these principles of that kingdom within their
citizenship on earth. Our citizenship in heaven, therefore, does
not change our earthly citizenship. Rather, our citizenship on
earth receives new meaning and direction as a result of our citi-
zenship in heaven.
When will these two citizenships become one? Matt. 25:31, 34;
Rev. 7:9-12.
With the coming of Jesus into this world, the kingdom of God
has been established. And all who receive Him and accept Him as
Lord and Saviour are citizens of that kingdom of God. At the
same time, however, the full reign of Christ has not yet been es-
tablished on this earth. Many people have never even heard of
Him. And many others continue to reject Christ as Lord of their
lives. At the second coming of Christ the kingdom will be initi-
ated. It will be fully established at the close of the 1000 years.
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 547-551.
78
The Christian and the State
1
1
Tuesday
September 7
Part 3
"He said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things
GOD
which be Caesar's and unto God the things which be God's" (Luke
AND
CAESAR 20:25).
God removes kings and sets up kings (Dan. 2:21). All things
belong to Him, the earth and its fullness. All authority in heaven
and on earth has been given to Christ (Matt. 28:18). There is no
power without Him. Whether thrones or dominions or principal-
ities or authorities—all things were created through Him and for
Him (Col.
1:16).
This testimony of Scripture should prevent us
from a completely dualistic understanding of Jesus' words re-
corded in Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25, and Matthew 22:21. The
things which belong to Caesar and the things which belong to God
are not two entirely separate entities, domains, or spheres of in-
fluence. God is in ultimate control of everything. Our whole life
belongs to Him—the government is instituted by God, and the
authorities are ministers of God, attending to His interests (Rom.
13:1-7).
Although separating the things which belong to Caesar from the
things which belong to God, Jesus also emphasized the fact that in
His kingdom the earthly and the heavenly belong together, under
God. From this viewpoint—since the things belonging to Cae-
sar actually belong to God—the government is a steward! Citi-
zens of the kingdom of God pay taxes, tribute, revenues, and re-
spect to earthly rulers, as unto God. Authorities are the servants
of God.
What attitude should Christians take, though, when civil au-
thorities make requirements that conflict with God's requirements?
Acts 5:29.
Sin has permeated every aspect of life on earth, every institu-
tion, every structure. Government, though ordained by God, is
no exception. It also is run by imperfect human beings and, like
everything else, constantly influenced by powers of evil. Under
these conditions it is unavoidable that at times governments issue
rules and regulations or establish structures and organizations
which are contrary to the principles of the kingdom of God. In
such cases the followers of Christ should obey God rather than
men.
Can you think of some examples of legislation or of institutions
which are in flagrant conflict with the Word of God and the princi-
ples of His kingdom? Could Christians ever participate in acts of
opposition to the government?
Further Study:
Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 201-204.
79
The Christian and the State
11
Wednesday
September 8
Part
4
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's
CHURCH
sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as
AND STATE unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and
for the praise of them that do well" (1 Peter 2:13, 14).
At this point the question must be raised: How do the counsels
given by Christ regarding the Christian's attitude toward civil or-
dinances and authority apply to the church as an institution in its
relationship to the state? It is important that we notice a distinc-
tion first. The New Testament Christian does not know about
church-state relationships that developed after the death of the
apostles. The counsels are addressed to the followers of Christ
in their individual relationship to government, legal ordinances,
and social institutions. The emphasis thereby is on good con-
duct, submission, and the right attitude—never upon rights or
privileges. But with the spread of the gospel and the christianiza-
tion of many countries in the world, the church itself underwent
some powerful changes. It began to acquire properties and to de-
velop institutions of its own. It developed structures and organi-
zation with its own government and entered into business, often
big business. As a result, new forms of relationship developed be-
tween the church and the state. These have given rise to great
conflicts and powerful confrontations because that relationship is
no longer one between individual believers and civil authorities,
but between two institutions of considerable influence.
What principles should guide the church as an institution in its
relationship to the state? Titus 3:1; Matt. 22:21.
In church-state relations we are confronted with areas of inter-
est that may belong to both the church and the state—the educa-
tion of children, for instance. As a social institution, the church
must submit to the secular ordinances and laws which govern
such institutions in the land. It may thank God if the state allows
the church some special privileges (tax exemption, for instance),
but the church should submit when the state exercises its legiti-
mate authority over these institutional aspects of the church.
Only when the state intrudes in what specifically belongs to the
church such as the formulation and teaching of doctrines, the or-
dination of its ministers, or the believers' relationship to God, the
church may rightly protest. It is to meet such issues that the
church has long maintained a Department of Public Affairs and
Religious Liberty. Representation is also maintained at the
United Nations and various national government centers.
Why is separation of church and state the best policy with regard
to potential conflicts between the two? What does separation of
church and state really mean?
80
The Christian and the State
11
Thursday
September 9
Part 5
"1
exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, in-
PEACE tercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings,
and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peace-
able life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable
in the sight of God our Saviour" (1 Tim. 2:1-3).
Christians are peacemakers. (See Matt. 5:9.) One way to make
peace is through intercessory prayers for those who are in author-
ity. Another is to live peaceably with all men (Rom. 12:18) and to
work actively toward peace as a sign of the kingdom of God. (See
Luke 10:5, 6.) This peace is not just an absence of war, though
that is part of it. The peace Christians are urged to seek and to
pursue for all men (Ps. 34:14) is the peace given to us by our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (John 14:27). This peace
should be established within the church itself and also pursued in
the world.
What attitude should prevail therefore among believers when
conflicts do arise? Col. 3:15; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Phil. 2:1-5.
Though Christians do have a very positive attitude toward
government, they nevertheless are urged not to seek arbitration
outside of their communion of faith. A number of reasons are
given. First, believers ought to be an example to the world—
examples of peace, fellowship, and love. If society cannot see
these exemplified in the church, then where would they find such
a model? Second, government agencies are definitely of a lower
order than the church. The apostle speaks of the "unrighteous"
(1 Cor. 6:1, RSV), "unjust" (KJV), and of those who are "least
esteemed by the church" (6:4). Third, it puts the whole church
to shame if we cannot find persons wise enough in the church to
decide between members who have conflicts with each other (6:5,
6). It actually is a defeat for the gospel. Finally, Christians have
to learn to have the mind of Christ, in humility counting others
better than themselves, having other people's interest in mind,
suffering wrong and being defrauded rather than to be wrong
themselves (6:7-9). The church ought to set an example to the
government and to society as a whole, rather than turn to them for
justice.
In what ways can Christians best promote peace? Rom 12:16-20;
1 Peter 3:8-10.
We ought to realize that a separation of church and state does
not mean a separation of religion from life. Who would be able to
pursue peace better than the followers of Christ?
Further
Study: Prophets
and Kings,
pp. 191, 192.
81
The Christian and the State
11
Friday
September 10
Part 6
"He said unto them, the kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship
RESPECT AND
over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called
CAUTION
benefactors. But ye shall not be
so:
but he that is greatest among
you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth
serve" (Luke 22:25, 26).
Earthly governments are not an acceptable model for church
organization. In the first place, earthly governments are built on
power, whether by contract or by absorption. Second, the Chris-
tian concept of leadership is centered in Jesus Christ, whose king-
dom is not of this earth. His leadership was characterized by
voluntary submission, humility, and service (servanthood).
What was Jesus' reaction to the report that an evil king would kill
Him? Luke 13:31, 32.
The Bible portrays both respect and caution in its attitude
toward government. On the one hand, we are urged to subject
ourselves to its authority because it has been instituted by God
and to pray for the earthly rulers. On the other hand, the Bible
also speaks of those earthly rulers as "unrighteous" (1 Cor. 6:1,
RSV), as "least esteemed by the church" (1 Cor. 6:4, RSV), as
outright evil, and as persecutors of the righteous (Revelation 13
through 18). The book of Revelation portrays symbols of many
such evil rulers. Jesus Himself called King Herod, who was head
of the Jewish government at His time, "that fox" (Luke 13:31,
32). In fact, Jesus told the Pharisees to "go and tell that fox" that
He would continue with His work until He had finished it. That
sounds like a revolutionary attitude. However, Jesus was not a
revolutionary! He kept a balance between the demands of the
kingdom of God and the ordinances of this world. He rebuked
evildoers and criticized evil practices; yet He submitted Himself
voluntarily to them.
How can the church become more active in promoting peace and
prosperity in the nation and in the world?
"In conformity to the divine requirements there is a transform-
ing power that brings peace and good will among men. If the
teachings of God's word were made the controlling influence in
the life of every man and woman, if mind and heart were brought
under its restraining power, the evils that now exist in national
and in social life would find no
place."—Prophets and Kings,
p.
192.
Further Study:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 68, 69.
82
September 12.18
Adult Lesson
111
1
12
-
0TR 'Re
ne
Morifid
"I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand,
and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of
the Gentiles" (Isa. 42:6).
The aim of this quarter's lessons has been to deepen our under-
standing of the relationship between the Christian and the world and to
discover anew the biblical principles that should guide us in that rela-
tionship. It has become obvious by now that this relationship has many
different forms and facets which are also constantly changing. This
makes it necessary for every generation of believers, in every country
and culture, to discover for themselves how to apply the biblical princi-
ples to their particular situation.
It has become evident, further, that these biblical principles are based
on two premises. The first is that the whole world lies in the power of
sin and that everything in this world is affected by its evil influence.
Therefore, Christians should shun this world, that is, its corruption,
wickedness, and association with evil. The other basic premise is that
God loves this world. Out of love He created it and endowed it with
riches, beauty, energies, and wonderful things for people to enjoy. Out
of love God is actively at work in this world (John 5:17) to save it and to
restore it so that it can fulfill the purpose for which it was made.
Perhaps no other biblical image describes this twofold attitude toward
the world better than that of light. It views the world as darkness and
the church as light. This stresses on the one hand the radical differ-
ence between the church and the world, "for . . . what fellowship has
light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what has a
believer in common with an unbeliever?" (2 Cor. 6:14, 15, RSV). On the
other hand, the image of light also emphasizes its role of shining to scat-
ter darkness and the need of light in a dark place (Matt. 5:14-16). Light
and darkness are opposites, and in God's plan of salvation the light must
be brought where the darkness exists. Participation in the work of
Christ, who is the True Light (John 1:9; 1 John 2:8), is a life of wit-
nessing to that Light in a world that lies in darkness.
83
A Light to the World
12
Sunday
September 12
Part 1
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and
de-
GOD IS LIGHT
dare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all"
(1 John 1:5).
In the Bible the words "light" and "darkness" are often used
figuratively. When we read that "God is light, and in him is no
darkness at all," we understand this to mean that God is alto-
gether good, without a trace of evil. Yet this is only one meaning
of the word "light" as used in the Bible to apply to God. We need
to consider also the other meanings in order to understand more
fully the biblical message that God is light. This is the more im-
portant, since Scripture calls the followers of God "children of
light," who are sent by God into the world to let His light shine.
What are some of the other meanings of "light" in the Bible as it
applies to the work and the character of God? Ps. 27:1; 2 Cor.
4:6, 7; Isa. 60:1-3.
There are more than 20 different meanings found in Scrip-
ture. The ones that stand out most prominently are these: salva-
tion, truth, righteousness, goodness, glory, power, life, knowl-
edge, help, comfort, joy. Notice how real and tangible these are.
Light, in Scripture, is a real experience, a tangible reality, much
as is the physical light. One notices when it is there or when it is
absent.
What is the relationship between God and physical light? Gen.
1:2-5; Rev. 22:5.
Without God there is no light. Even what we know as "day and
night," which seem so natural to us, would not exist without
God's creative and sustaining power. And since life depends on
light, this world would not exist without the grace of God.
How does God's light continue to shine in this world? Matt. 5:16;
1 John 2:9-11; Phil. 2:14, 15.
"If
we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the
principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts.
Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it
is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The con-
sistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the
active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,—these are the medi-
ums through which light is conveyed to the world."—The
Desire
of Ages,
p. 307.
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 306,307.
84
A Light to the World
12
Monday
September 13
Part 2
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the
MST, THE
world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall
WE LIGHT
have the light of life" (John 8:12).
The Scriptures testify that Jesus is light (John 1:9). By Jesus'
claim that He is light He emphasizes not only His divinity and His
oneness with God but also the authenticity of His life and work,
the absolute truth of all His words.
Note the context of these passages in which Jesus declares that He
is the light of the world. John 8:12; 9:5.
"The world has had its great teachers, men of giant intellect
and wonderful research, men whose utterances have stimulated
thought, and opened to view vast fields of knowledge; and these
men have been honored as guides and benefactors of their race.
But there is One who stands higher than they. . . . We can trace
the line of the world's great teachers as far back as human records
extend; but the Light was before them. As the moon and the stars
[planets] of the solar system shine by the reflected light of the sun,
so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world's great thinkers
reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Every gem of
thought, every flash of intellect, is from the Light of the
world."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 464, 465.
What is the deepest meaning of the biblical testimony that Jesus is
the "light"? Isa. 49:6; Luke 2:32; John 12:46.
The term "light of the world" has a great many meanings in
Scripture: truth, life, knowledge, etc. However, the central
meaning of Jesus as the light is that He is the Messiah, the One
sent by God to reconcile human beings to Himself and to each
other, the One in whom the whole world, lost in sin, may find
salvation.
How did Jesus show by His life and words that He was indeed the
Messiah, the Light of the world? Luke 4:16-21; 19:10.
Of the miracles Jesus performed, one of the most striking was
His opening of the eyes of the blind. (See Mark 8:22-26; 10:46-52.)
We all are blind, groping about in darkness as a result of sin. If we
let Jesus open our eyes, darkness will cease. But if we reject His
healing, we shall remain in darkness forever.
Has Jesus opened my
eyes
and dispelled the darkness of my life?
In what ways?
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 463-465.
85
A
Light to the World
12
Tuesday
September 14
Part 3
THE LIGHT
OF THE WORLD
To what did Jesus liken the life and the work of His followers in
the world?
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be
hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on
a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house"
(Matt. 5:14, 15).
These words of Christ summarize the calling and mission of
the church in the world. What a miracle of grace! For who of us,
by nature, is a light? To be a light is, in the words of the apostle
John, to love our neighbor (1 John 2:7-11). Other passages of
Scripture identify the light as doing the truth (John 3:20, 21), hav-
ing the mind of Jesus Christ, and walking blameless before God
(Phil. 2:5-15).
What difference is there between Jesus as the light of the world,
and the light of the world as it applies to the followers of Christ?
John 1:6-8; 2 Cor. 4:5-7.
As our moon and the planets in our solar system have no light in
themselves but reflect only the light of the sun, so it is with the
followers of Christ. They are not the light by themselves, but
they are called to reflect the True Light, Jesus Christ. We have
no light in ourselves. But we can bear witness to the Light. And
even bearing witness to the Light is not our own work, but it is
God Himself "who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God" (2 Cor. 4:6, RSV). Without Him
we "can do nothing" (John 15:5). It is God who works in us "both
to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13, RSV).
What is the only way, therefore, by which the followers of Christ
can be the light of the world? John 12:36.
Christians do most of the wholesome and helpful things com-
mon to society as a whole. It is in the permeating influence of the
love of God, through grace, touching every aspect of life that the
Christian sheds Heaven's light on the world. This is the differ-
ence between the church and the world.
How can I let my light shine in the environment where God has
placed me?
Further Study:
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The
Beatitudes" (Matt. 5:14), pp. 38-44.
86
A Light to the World
12
Wednesday
September 15
Part 4
What is the aim of bearing witness in the world as Christ's light
0 GLORIFY
bearers?
GOD
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).
(See also John 15:7, 8.)
Whether the symbol used is light shining or fruit bearing, the
object is to glorify God. All too little attention have we given to
God's purpose for our calling in this world. Usually we think of
the aim of mission as proclaiming the Word of God, helping peo-
ple to accept Christ, planting and building up churches, and serv-
ing humanity in its deepest needs. And all of these are indeed rea-
sons for the Christian to be in the world. Yet the main aim of our
whole life and work in the world is to glorify God. It is for the
glory of God that we were made (Isa. 43:7). Christ Himself came
into this world to glorify God (John 17:4). For the same purpose
He also sends us into the world (2 Thess. 1:11, 12), so that even
those who in the past have been ignorant of the promises of God
may now glorify Him.
In each of the following passages, how is God said to be glorified?
Connect the answers with Revelation 14:7. Isa 49:3-6; Matt. 15:31;
Acts 13:47, 48; 2 Cor. 9:13.
The Bible tells us that when the crowds saw the sick and crip-
pled people healed, they glorified the God of Israel (Matt. 15:31).
(See also Matt. 9:8; Mark 2:12; Luke 5:25, 26; 13:13; Acts 4:21.)
Other ways by which we are called to glorify God are the preach-
ing of the gospel and sharing God's promises with those who do
not know Him (Acts 13:48), ministry through our God-given gifts
(1 Peter 4:9-11), offering praises (Ps. 50:23), dying for the sake of
God and His work (John 21:19), healthful habits and cleanliness
of our body (1 Cor. 6:19, 20), Christian obedience, stewardship,
and liberality in giving (2 Cor. 9:13). It is noteworthy that the
Scriptures emphasize
works
as a way to glorify God. But all of
these works must, of course, be rooted in faith and love. Paul
wrote: "If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be
burned, but have not love, I gain nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3, RSV). As
faith is dead without works (James 2:17), works by themselves
mean nothing either. But born out of faith and rooted in love,
these works glorify God and lead many others to worship Him.
How, then, can Revelation 14:6, 7 best be fulfilled in our world
today?
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 825-828.
87
A Light to the World
12
Thursday
September 16
Part 5
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light
LIGHT AND
shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not" (John
DARKNESS 1:4, 5).
In the same way as the Bible often uses the word "light" to
denote goodness, salvation, righteousness, truth, knowledge, or
life, so does darkness in Scripture stand for evil, lostness, igno-
rance, falsehood, error, or death. As light stands for the presence
of God, so darkness denotes the absence of God.
What is the meaning of the words "and the darkness compre-
hended it [the light] not" (John 1:5)?
Various explanations have been offered. Some maintain that
sinful man did not understand the life and the work of Christ be-
cause his mind is darkened (Rom. 1:21). Others insist that we first
have to live in the light in order to understand the .gospel (John
3:21). Still others emphasize that the text should be translated:
"And the darkness has not overcome the light." The Greek
word used in the text is more frequently translated this way in
Scripture. Indeed, even through the powers of evil seem trium-
phant in this world, the message of the gospel is that Jesus has
overcome the world, goodness has triumphed over evil, life over
death (2 Cor. 2:14; Col. 2:15). Christ is head over all things, far
above all rule, authority, power, and dominion (Eph. 1:20-23).
Another group of interpreters maintains that the text means that
people, though estranged from God, have indeed understood the
meaning of the gospel, but they have in pride rejected it. They
have clearly heard Jesus cry out: "He who believes in me, be-
lieves not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me sees
him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, that who-
ever believes in me may not remain in darkness. . . . He who re-
jects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word
that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day" (John 12:
44-48, RSV). But they have chosen darkness over light.
Each of these interpretations stresses an important aspect of
the biblical message of salvation and of the work of mission.
Without the work of Christ, through His Spirit, no one can under-
stand the depth of God's grace and the meaning of His work for
us. Without His power we cannot accept it. But those who are
willing to give up their own ideas, will, and habits will see the light
clearly and find in it the way, the truth, and the life.
Is it possible to walk in light and in darkness at the same time?
(See
Matt. 6:23, 24; Luke 11:35.) What would be the hallmark of
such a believer or of such a church?
(See
Rev. 3:15-18.)
Further Study:
Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 83-87.
88
A Light to the World
12
Friday
September 17
Part 6
What is God's will for all humanity?
E
LIGHT OF
SALVATION
"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour: who
will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the
truth" (1 Tim. 2:3, 4).
God wants all humanity to be saved. To that end He sent His
Son into the world to enlighten everyone, so that whoever seizes
that light and accepts Jesus as his Lord and Saviour shall be
saved.
How does God accomplish His work of salvation in the world to-
day? John 6:44; 1 Peter 2:9, 10; Col. 1:12, 14.
No
one can be saved by his own power or because of his own
will. Thanks be to our God, who Himself is constantly at work
to draw people unto Himself, to call them out of darkness into His
marvelous light, to uphold them in their struggles, and to build
them up in the faith.It is God who by His spirit is calling us to be
members of His own household as sons and daughters of God
(Rom. 8:14-17).
How can we, having once accepted the light, remain in it? Rom.
13:12-14; Eph. 5:8-17; 1 John 1:7-10.
Salvation is God's free gift to all people. Whether we remain in
the light as heirs and children of the light depends to a large extent
on our determination to walk in the light. What does that mean?
Three aspects stand out clearly. First, to cast off darkness.
That is, to give up all those habits, thoughts, and interests
which detract from our walk with God. (See Eph. 4:22, 25; 1 Peter
2:1). Second, to walk in the light. That is, to choose to do good
and to love one's neighbor, and thus glorify God. Third, to put
on the armor of light. This armor of light is designed to protect
the believers from the attacks of the evil one and to make it possi-
ble for the followers of Christ to use the weapons of their spiritual
warfare to overcome the darkness and to penetrate it. The parts
of this armor are truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and
the sure word of God (Eph. 6:11-18).
In what ways can Christians really become the light of the world?
"Every soul is to be a bright and shining light, showing forth
the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His mar-
velous light.'We are laborers together with God.'
"—Christian
Service,
p. 21.
Further Study:
Christian Service,
pp. 18-22.
89
September 19.25
Adult Lesson
Maw KemuKen mnd
sm Kea/ EmPRErD
"By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country,
dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the
same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose
builder and maker is God" (Heb. 11:9, 10).
Great men and women of faith have always regarded this world and
everything in it as transitory. Our real home is that world where God
dwells in the midst of His people, where there is no more mourning,
fear, pain, sin, or death (Rev. 21:1-4). Notice that our real home is not
heaven, but a new earth!
Although God's people have expected the arrival of this new earth
since God's promise of salvation to our first ancestors, nevertheless
there have been four periods in the history of humanity when this ex-
pectation was of universal dimension. The first period was the time of
the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, who announced the resto-
ration of the people of Judah to their homeland which would become the
center to which the nations would flock and find salvation.
The second period of universal messianic expectation was the time
of the birth of Christ. Inside as well as outside the JeWish nation there
were prophets foretelling the arrival of the Messiah. Says Ellen White:
"Outside of the Jewish nation there were men who foretold the appear-
ance of a divine instructor. These men were seeking for truth, and to
them the Spirit of Inspiration was imparted."—The
Desire of Ages,
p.
33.
The third period was the time of the 1820s through the early 1840s
when again all over the world people arose foretelling the restoration of
all things.
Finally, in our day we see everywhere the rise of numerous reli-
gious movements which find their creative center in the expectation of a
new heaven and a new earth. Let us now, more than ever before, be-
come aware of these signs pointing to the fullness of our time and pre-
pare ourselves, and the millions of others living in the expectation of a
new heaven and a new earth, for this most glorious event of all times—
the restoration of the kingdom of God.
90
1810 Years
A New Heaven and a New Earth
13
Sunday
September 19
Part 1
FULLNESS
OF TIME
"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that
doeth the will of God abideth forever" (1 John 2:17).
"The world passeth away." In this world everything is tran-
sitory; nothing is permanent. So why be so foolish as to put one's
trust in the things of the world, its forms and fashions, its wisdom
and beauty? All these things are passing away
(1
Cor. 7:31). All
life is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The
grass withers and the flower falls. Only the word of the Lord
abides forever (1 Peter 1:24, 25). (See also Matt. 6:25-33.) But it is
not just the civilization on this world that is passing; the world
itself will be radically altered.
What does Scripture tell us about the time of the end of this
world? Dan. 2:31-45; 12:1-7.
"Surely the Lord God does nothing, without revealing his se-
cret to his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7, RSV). God has in-
deed revealed that this world of ours will come to an end. The
Bible speaks repeatedly about a "fullness of time," a period in
history when certain prophecies regarding special events in the
program of God's salvation were being fulfilled. The apostle
Paul says that when a certain time had been fulfilled, God sent
forth His Son (Gal. 4:4). Jesus Himself said: "The time is
fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15). Many
interpreters of Scripture have in particular pointed to the proph-
ecy of Daniel 9:24-27 concerning the "seventy weeks of years"
(RSV) in which 69 weeks or 483 years were set aside for God's
people until the coming of the Messiah. He would then finish the
transgression, put an end to sin, make atonement for iniquity, and
bring in everlasting righteousness (see the diagram). In a similar
way, the Bible has also given us some clear time indicators con-
cerning the end of the world when Christ will come a second time:
2300 Years
490 Years
.
../
.....
77:Weeks
27
A.D. 34
A.D. 31
Further Study:
The Great Controversy,
pp. 343-354.
91
457 B.C.
14*
"......
,
69 Weeks
483 Years
A.
D. 1844
A New Heaven and a New Earth
13
Monday
September 20
Part 2
THE SIGHS
OF THE TIMES
What signs confirm that we are indeed living in the last days of
this world's history?
"Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in
divers places."
"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax
cold" (Matt. 24:7, 11, 12).
The events characterizing our world today may not by them-
selves convince many people that we are living at the very end of
time. But to those who accept Christ and who know His Word,
these events constitute the clearest signs of the end of our world:
the terrible famines; the disastrous earthquakes; the floods,
droughts, and atmospheric disturbances; the rise of occultism and
of hundreds of false messiahs. Not only are these signs clearer
and more frequent than at the time when we first believed (Rom.
13:11), now they are also truly universal.
Besides the signs specifically mentioned by Christ in Matthew
24:3-31 and in Luke 21:7-28, what are some other signs mentioned
in Scripture? 2 Tim. 3:1-5; James 5:1-5; 2 Peter 3:1-6.
The facts themselves are not in dispute. Scholars from every
discipline recognize that our age is an age of crisis—crises in soci-
ety and in the economy, in law and in governent, in relations be-
tween people and nations. As one scientist expressed it so power-
fully: "We are racing toward catastrophe on several separate but
related routes."—Geoffrey Abert,
After the Crash: How to Sur-
vive and Prosper During the Depression of the 1980s
(New York:
New American Library, Signet Books, 1979), p. 29. But what do
these events really mean, besides creating fear and distress such
as people have never experienced before? In the light of the sure
word of prophecy we know that when we see all these things,
"the end of all things is at hand" (1 Peter 4:7).
In light of the clarity and the universality of these signs of the time
of the end, what should be our attitude? What kind of persons
should we be? How should we conduct our lives? Rom. 13:11-14;
1 Thess. 5:1-11; 2 Peter 3:11, 14.
What preparation have you made to prepare yourself, your fam-
ily, and friends, as well as the people with whom you associate daily,
to be ready to stand before the Son of man?
Further Study:
Christ's Object Lessons,
"To Meet the
Bridegroom," pp. 405-414.
92
A New Heaven and a New Earth
13
Tuesday
September 21
Part
3
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for
E
GOSPEL
a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt.
IS BEING 24:14).
OCLAIMED
The proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom throughout
the whole world is a divine commission, a test of the true church,
and the breath by which the church lives and moves and has its
existence (Matt. 28:19, 20). But it is also God's way of leading the
history of this world to its end and of ushering in His kingdom. As
such, the proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom is a sign both
of the certainty of the promise of God and of its fulfillment in our
time.
What does Scripture mean by the "gospel of the kingdom"?
Mark 1:14, 15; 2 Cor. 5:18-20.
The kingdom of God was the central theme of Jesus' own
preaching. It also ought to be the starting point of our proclama-
tion and of our mission, for we are His ambassadors. We have no
other gospel but the gospel of the kingdom. And we have no other
mission but to proclaim the arrival of that kingdom. But what
does it all mean? From Jesus' own words and the writings of the
apostles, the following elements stand out clearly: (1) It is the
proclamation of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, who Himself is
the truth (John 14:6). (2) This proclamation urges people to put
their faith in Him and be saved. (3) It is also a call to repentance
and to a changed life in the power of the Holy Spirit. (4) The
gospel of the kingdom is a message of peace and of reconciliation;
it is at the same time also a work of judgment. In fact, it is through
the proclamation of the gospel that people are saved or con-
demned (John 3:16-18). (5) The proclamation of the gospel of
the kingdom is also a work of healing and liberation. Poor people
receive new dignity; the unemployed are enabled to help them-
selves; the hungry are fed; the sick are healed; the lonely are vis-
ited; the afflicted are helped in their distress (Luke 4:18-21). (6)
Proclamation means word and deed; it is accomplished through
presentation and manifestation.
What means has Heaven provided so that this gospel of the king-
dom can be preached in all the world in this generation? Matt.
28:18-20; Acts 4:7-13; John 16:7-11.
All power in heaven and on earth is given to Christ. Through
the Holy Spirit, bringing us that power, He sends us into the
world.
Further Study:
The Desire of Ages,
p. 818-824.
93
A New Heaven and a New Earth
13
Wednesday
September 22
Part 4
THE COMMG
OF CHRIST
What will be the greatest event at the end of time?
"The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with
the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead
in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be
caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the
air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).
The last day of the world's history is the day of our Lord Je-
sus Christ (1 Cor. 1:8), the day when the whole world will see
"the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory"
(Luke 21:27). This will be the most glorious event of all times.
Every eye will see Him, even the people who pierced Him (Rev.
1:7). There will be nothing secret about it. People will see
Him—and His myriads of angels—and hear the shouts of com-
mand and the summons of the trumpet. (See Matt. 24:31; 1 Cor.
15:51, 52.) However, that "great day" (Rev. 6:17) will not have
the same meaning to everyone. To many it will be a "day of
redemption" (Eph. 4:30), the day they have been hoping for,
longing for, living for, praying for. To many others, however, it
will be a day of dread, fear, and terror, as is obvious from their
shouts to the mountains to fall on them and to the hills to cover
them (Rev. 6:16, 17). Let us therefore choose now to which group
we want to belong.
What events will take place at the second coming of Christ?
1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:22-25; 2 Thess. 1:5-12.
Five events are clearly mentioned in Scripture: (1) Those
who have loved His appearance and have expected Him "shall be
changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
trump" (I Cor. 15:51, 52). (2) Those who died in Christ will be
"raised imperishable" (1 Cor. 15:52, RSV) in the first resurrec-
tion. (3) Those who have loved the Lord and have remained
faithful to His Word and who are alive at His coming will, with the
resurrected saints, be taken up into the air to meet the Lord, to be
with Him (1 Thess. 4:17) and to reign with Him as priests a
thousand years (Rev. 20:6). (4) The living unbelievers, how-
ever, will be slain by Christ when He "shall be revealed from
heaven with His mighty angels" (2 Thess. 1:7). (5) Those un-
believers who will have died before the second coming of Christ
will not be raised, but remain in their graves until the thousand
years will have ended (Rev. 20:4, 5).
What difference does it make in my life to know that Jesus is com-
ing soon?
Further Study:
The Great Controversy,
p. 641-645.
94
A New Heaven and a New Earth
13
Thursday
September 23
Part 5
What will be the situation on earth during the second coming of
HOUSARD
Christ?
YEARS
"The heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and
every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the
kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the
chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every
free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the moun-
tains" (Rev. 6:14, 15).
"Desolate! Desolation and ruin!" (Nahum 2:10, RSV). This
picture of plundered Nineveh is perhaps the best description of
the situation on earth during the second coming of Christ. Peter
states that "the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth
and the works that are upon it will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10,
RSV). The Old Testament prophets, in describing events of
their day, foretell the conditions at the great day of the Lord. "In
the fire of his jealous wrath, all the earth shall be consumed; for a
full, yea, sudden end he will make of all inhabitants of the earth"
(Zeph. 1:18, RSV). (See also Isa. 24:6, 19, RSV). Yet this utter
destruction of all life on earth is not the final word. The prophet
Isaiah knows that "after many days" the earth will be restored.
(This will be after the passage of the thousand-year period of
Revelation 20:3-7.)
What events will take place during this period of desolation on
earth? Rev. 20:4-6; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3.
While the earth is "waste and void," "its cities . . . laid in
ruins" (Jer. 4:23-26), its inhabitants destroyed, and the devil
bound and thrown into a pit (Rev. 20:1-3), the saints are being
given thrones on which to rule with Christ as priests for a thou-
sand years (Rev.20:4-6). The Bible describes this reigning of the
saints in particular as a work of judgment (Rev. 20:4). As the
apostle Paul says: "Do you not know that we are to judge an-
gels?" (1 Cor. 6:3, RSV). That judgment really belongs to
Christ (John 5:22), but He has chosen to commit that judgment
together with His saints. Those who have been persecuted, tor-
tured, and killed for their faith in God and their testimony of Jesus
will now sit in judgment over their persecutors, torturers, and
murderers. The ones who suffered from the evil work of fallen
angels, principalities, and powers will now judge them. The
saints are receiving the kingdom, and with that reign they also
judge. (See Dan. 7:10, 18, 22, 26, 27.)
What happens at the end of the thousand years? Rev. 20:7-14.
Further Study:
The Great Controversy,
pp. 653-661.
95
-A New Heaven and a New Earth
13
Friday
September 24
Part 6
A NEW HEAVEN
AND A NEW
EARTH
"I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the
first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I
John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out
of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Rev.
21:1, 2).
Out of the terrible desolation and ruin of the old earth there
arises "a new heaven and a new earth." What a difference be-
tween these two worlds! The first lies in the power of the evil
one (1 John 5:19, RSV). "None is righteous, no not one; no one
understands, no one seeks for God." "The way of peace they
do not know" (Rom.3:10, 11, 17, RSV). But the new heaven and
the new earth we are looking for, according to God's promise, is
full of righteousness, peace, and happiness. (See 2 Peter 3:13.)
God Himself will remove all the results of sin and will dwell with
us.
What does the Bible tell us concerning life on this new earth? Isa.
65:17-25; 66:22, 23; Rev. 21:3, 4; 22:1-5.
Holy men and women of God, at various times, have tried to
paint a picture of life on the new earth. But can any mortal really
understand what God in His wisdom and mercy has prepared for
those who love Him? We do read of joy, feasting, and eternal hap-
piness; of work and of worship; of music and of living together in
genuine fellowship. But all we can say with certainty is that
"what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man con-
ceived," has God "prepared for those who love him" (1 Cor. 2:9,
RSV). The apostle Paul once told of "a man in Christ" who was
caught up into Paradise. But the things he heard and saw and ex-
perienced there could not be told. He was unable to describe
them (2 Cor. 12:1-4).
What will be the hallmark of the relationship between God and
man on the new earth? Rev. 21:2, 3, 9; 22:4, 17.
"They shall be his people," a relationship also described as a
marriage. We, as a unit in the New Jerusalem, are the bride.
Christ is the Bridegroom, who has presented "the church to him-
self in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that
she might be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27, RSV). As His
bride, we shall also bear His name, a name of love, "for God is
love" (1 John 4:8).
What guarantee do we
have
that sin and rebellion will not rise
again in this new earth?
(See
Nahum 1:9; Heb. 10:10-12.)
Further Study:
The Great Controversy,
pp. 674-678.
96
Lesson for 4th quarter '82
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the
Adult Lessons for the fourth quarter of 1982 will be helped by the
following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of
this series is "God's Great Gift."
First Lesson
GOD SEEKING MAN
Memory Text, Gen. 1:1
1.
God—The Creator (Gen. 1:1)
2.
Man—the Crown of Creation (Gen. 1:26, 27)
3.
Creator of God-Man Relationship (Gen. 1:28, 29; 2:15)
4.
Testing of the Relationship (Gen. 2:17)
5.
Breakdown of the Relationship (Gen. 3:6, 7)
6.
The Way Back (Gen, 3:9)
Second Lesson
GOD—CONSTANTLY OFFERING HIS COVENANT
Memory Text, Ex. 6:7
1.
Covenant Language (Gen. 17:2, Heb. 9:15)
2.
Covenant With Noah (Gen. 6:18)
3.
The Covenant With Abram (Gen. 12:1-3)
4.
The Covenant With Moses (Ex. 6:7)
5.
The Covenant With David (Ps. 89:3, 4)
6.
The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31, 33)
Lessons in braille
The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each
month in Braille and 16
2
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rpm records to blind and physically handi-
capped persons who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individ-
uals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accident, old
age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal ink print publications.
Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln
Nebraska, 68506.
Lessons for the deaf
The Sabbath school quarterly for the deaf is published each quarter
by Christian Record Braille Foundation under the direction of the
Coordinator of Services for the Deaf, 444 South 52nd Street, Lincoln, NE
68506, USA. One year subscription in U.S.A. $10.00. Single copy $2.50,
third-class postage. One year subscription to countries outside U.S.A.
$11.20. single copy $2.80. When a change of address is desired, please
send both the old and new addresses.
97
[2MEM KEMED MERBEA
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Name
Street
City
State
Zip
PACIFIC OCEAN
INTER-AMERICAN
DIVISION
Chapels, South
Mexican Conference
* BAHAMAS
•
•
.
1
Girls
(
1
' Dormitory
Antillian College
PUERTO RICO
DOM.
11,
ISLANDS
REP.
CARIBBEAN
MARTINIQUE
JAMAICA
HAITI
BELIZE
Church
S.S.
Unions
Population Church.. Members Mr:ambers
SEA
EL
DOR
St.
VINCENT
BARBADOS
Division
1
82
82
S
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GRENADA.
Antillian 11,000,000 375 59,088 66,331
PANAMA
Q
*TOBAGO
Caribbean 3,273,286 323 71,155 52,757
COSTA
TRINIDAD
Central
erica
RICA
America 21,653,338 409 77,245 75,504
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Franco-
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41258,510 241 82,917 75,170
Haitian 8,477,000 251 98,846 92,023
Mexican 67,405,700 449 136,487 169,257
West Indies 2,342,397
469 112,247
79,204
Cuba
8,300,000
104
8,902
9,000
163,710,231 2,622 646,969 619,328